Hybrid arteriovenous shunt

摘要

An apparatus for positioning a graft and catheter operable for subcutaneous access to the vascular system of a patient. A surgically created, hybrid arteriovenous shunt is provided which comprises a flexible graft and a venous outflow catheter connected to the graft via surgical anastomosis over a cuff. The graft is connected to an arterial source and then to a single lumen venous outflow catheter which deposits dialyzed blood directly into the heart at the right atrium. Methods of surgical placement and performing hemodialysis using embodiments of the apparatus are provided.

主权项

1. An arteriovenous shunt comprising:
a. an arterial graft comprising a body, a lead end and a terminal end, wherein said lead end is operable for subcutaneous connection to an artery by anastomosis and has a first diameter; and b. a single lumen venous outflow catheter comprising an intake end and depositing end, wherein said depositing end is operable for insertion through a vein into the right atrium of the heart and has a second diameter different from said first diameter; and c. a cuff comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein: i. said inlet is disposed about said terminal end of said subcutaneous graft; and ii. said outlet is disposed about said intake end of said venous outflow catheter; wherein the cuff provides a secure fit for said arterial graft first diameter and said venous outflow catheter second diameter.