Patent ID: 6120534
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
Apparatus for regulating flow through a vessel or organ, the apparatus comprising a tubular member having first and second ends, an interior surface forming a lumen extending between the first and second ends, and a constricted region disposed between the first and second ends, a portion of the tubular member adjacent the first end having a substantially uniform first diameter along a first length and the constricted region having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the constricted region formed by a radial inward extension of the interior surface, the tubular member having a contracted configuration suitable for transluminal delivery, and a deployed configuration wherein the portion of the tubular member adjacent to the first end engages a wall of the vessel or organ along the first length and the constricted region limits flow through the lumen,wherein the constricted region comprises a plastically deformable material and has a continuous curved profile that gradually transitions between the first diameter and the second diameter to reduce thrombus formation, andwherein the second diameter, in the deployed configuration, is adapted to be selectively enlarged by application of a radially outwardly directed force on the interior surface of the constricted region to obtain an adjustable degree of constriction, and is restored to a minimum diameter by application of heat to the constricted region.