Patent ID: 8708986

Claim:
A system for collecting flow from a blood vessel, the system comprising: a. a collection member including: i. a flexible tubular portion defining a collection lumen, the tubular portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end defining a fluid inlet to the collection lumen, the proximal end being constructed to connect to a source of suction that applies suction to the collection lumen; ii. an expandable annular sealing member located adjacent to the distal end of the tubular portion, wherein the annular sealing member comprises a radial distal end having an expanded distal diameter, a radial proximal end having an expanded proximal diameter greater than the expanded distal diameter, and an annular surface inclined between the radial distal end and the radial proximal end; iii. a first pressure sensor that senses a first pressure in the blood vessel at a location on a first side of the annular sealing member; and iv. a second pressure sensor that senses a second pressure in the blood vessel at a location on a second side of the annular sealing member, wherein an expanded size of the annular sealing member is based at least in part on the first pressure and the second pressure; b. a valve that controls suction applied to the collection lumen, wherein the valve is selectively opened and closed based upon a timing interval following a specific event, wherein the application of suction draws the blood vessel into contact with the annular surface; and c. a support device positionable at a location distal to the distal end of the tubular portion, wherein the support device is configured to support the blood vessel during the application of suction.