Patent ID: 7540859
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An implantable dialysis valve for fluid connection between an artery and a vein, comprising: an implantable tube to convey blood from an arterial connection end to a venous connection end, the tube extending for a longitudinal length; an actuation port to receive a fluid through a self-sealing membrane for adjustment of the longitudinal length of the tube; and a hydraulically actuated bellows in fluid communication with the actuation port so as to adjust from a first length to a second length when the fluid is received through the membrane in the actuation port, the bellows being coupled with the tube so that when the bellows adjusts from the first length to the second length, the tube contemporaneously increases in longitudinal length and decreases in diameter at a narrowed portion, wherein the narrowest portion of the tube decreases in diameter while not fully closing.