Patent ID: 6190347
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for removing at least one material from the body of a living being, said apparatus being configured and sized for implantation within the body of the being and comprising:(a) a filter assembly for separating the at least one material from lymphatic fluid in the body of the living being, said filter assembly comprising:(i) an inlet for receiving lymphatic fluid from the body of the being;(ii) a filter coupled to said inlet for separating the lymphatic fluid into a filtrate and a retentate;(iii) a filtrate outlet; and(iv) a retentate outlet;(b) a lymphatic fluid conduit for shunting the lymphatic fluid from the lymphatic duct of the being to said filter assembly inlet;(c) a filtrate conduit for coupling to a portion of the excretory system of the being to convey the filtrate from said filtrate outlet to the portion of the excretory system; and(d) a retentate conduit for coupling to a lymphatic system accessible portion of the being's body to convey the retentate from said retentate outlet of the lymphatic system accessible portion of the being's body.