摘要 |
An improved portal-caval shunt (20) includes a male section (25) and a female section (26). A cutter (52) is first inserted through a patient's vena cava and is used to punch or cut an opening between proximate portions of the vena cava and portal vein. The female section (26) is then inserted through the opening. Once so inserted, spokes (36') on the female section move to their outward positions. The male section (25) is then inserted through the vena cava, is aligned with, and is joined to the female section, with its spokes (36) being aligned with the female section spokes (36'). The improved shunt is particularly useful in relieving a portal hypertension condition.
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