AV FLOW RESTRICTORS

Abstract

A shunt comprising a flexible tube having a first, and a second end, and a central opening, having a first diameter that extends from the first end to the second end. The shunt also includes one or more restrictor bands having a second diameter around the flexible tube. The one or more restrictor bands are located between the first end and the second end of the flexible tube and the second diameter is less than the first diameter such that the restrictor band forms a restriction. The restrictor band is expandable between a first position and a second position. The restrictor band may have fracturable sections configured to fracture in responds to pressure thereby increasing a diameter of the one or more restrictor bands to a diameter greater than the second diameter. The one or more restrictor bands may comprise restrictor bands of at least two different inner diameters.

Description

Claims

1. A stent with an expandable restriction comprising: a stent having an inlet end and an outlet end, the stent having a central opening which extends from the inlet end to the outlet end such that central opening has a first diameter; andat least one band extending around a portion of the stent and located between the inlet end and the outlet end, the at least one band creating a reduced diameter section of a second diameter in the stent that is adjustable from the second diameter, which is less than the first diameter, to a third diameter that is greater than the second diameter.

2. The stent of claim 1, wherein the band that is adjustable from the second diameter is reactive to outward pressure from within the stent toward the band that causes the band to expand or fracture, thereby eliminating or increasing a diameter of the restriction.

3. The stent of claim 1, wherein the third diameter is the same as the first diameter.

4. The stent of claim 1, wherein the band is expandable from the third diameter to a fourth diameter, the fourth diameter greater than the third diameter.

5. The stent of claim 1, wherein the band has fracturable sections that are configured to fracture in responds to pressure thereby increasing the band from the second diameter to the third diameter.

6. The stent of claim 1, wherein the at least one band comprises two or more restrictor bands of at least two different inner diameters.