Patent ID: 7811316

Claim:
An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel, comprising: a) an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel, the support including axially spaced apart first and second support portions, and at least one linking member connecting the axially spaced apart portions to one another; and b) a valve membrane including a body portion and a neck portion extending therefrom, the body portion attached to one of the first and second support portions and the neck portion being attached to the other of the first and second support portions, the valve membrane adapted for movement between a first position wherein the body portion extends substantially across the elongated support with the neck portion in close proximity with a wall of the blood vessel inhibiting blood flow through the support, and a second position wherein the neck portion moves away from a wall of the blood vessel permitting blood flow through the support, in the first position the valve membrane having a convex outer surface and in the second position the valve membrane having a wavy shape.