Patent ID: 6338724
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An apparatus for interconnecting an artery and a vein, comprising:a graft of biocompatible material; a catheter of biocompatible material; the graft having an end configured for attachment to the artery and another end configured for interconnection with the catheter; the catheter having an end configured for interconnection with the end of the graft that is configured for interconnection with the catheter and having a plurality of holes spaced axially therefrom that are positionable within the interior of the vein, at least some of the holes being located in a side wall of the catheter, while the graft is attached to the artery, such that the plurality of holes are spaced from an opening of the vein through which the catheter passes into the vein, and such that the catheter within the vein has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the vein; the plurality of holes providing an outlet within the interior of the vein for blood from the artery that passes through the graft and the catheter; the plurality of holes being sized and numbered so as to minimize scarring and stenosis by minimizing flow turbulence, due to blood exiting through the holes at locations downstream from a sensitive area at the opening of the vein.