Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A hepatic bypass catheter comprising a triple lumen tube having a proximal end and a distal ends. Two balloon-like expandable segments are spaced about seven centimeters apart and located at the distal end of the tube two inflation couplers are connected to the two expander lumens at the proximal end thereby providing independent control over each expander. Several nine millimeter holes in the wall of the third, larger lumen are located on the proximal side of the second balloon. In practice, the distal end of the catheter is introduced into a femoral vein and the catheter advanced until the expanders are placed on each side of the hepatic venous junction with the inferior vena cava. Upon inflation of the expanders, and in conjunction with occlusion of the common hepatic artery and the portal vein, the liver is isolated from the circulatory system. Blood returning to the heart through the inferior vena cava bypasses this junction by entering the large lumen through the side holes traveling through the center of the balloons and continuing to the right atrium. The outer surface of the expander balloons are textured to reduce slippage while the inner surface of the balloons are coated with a non-blocking layer to facilitate inflation, even after long periods of storage.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim