Patent ID: 7811264
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling blood flow between and during dialysis treatments, comprising: implanting a dialysis valve device in a bodily limb between an artery and a vein; attaching an arterial fistula graft of the dialysis valve device to the artery in the bodily limb; attaching a venous fistula graft of the dialysis valve device to the vein in the bodily limb; causing an adjustable tube of the dialysis valve device to convey blood from the arterial fistula graft to the venous fistula graft, the tube extending for a longitudinal length and defining an inner surface that is substantially smooth; controlling an actuator of the dialysis valve device to selectively adjust from a first length to a second length in response to fluid or electric control, the actuator being coupled with the tube so that when the actuator adjusts from the first length to the second length, the tube contemporaneously increases in longitudinal length and decreases in diameter at a narrowed portion.