Abstract: Blood flow restrictors are discussed. In some examples, a blood flow restrictor apparatus is configured to be placed within a destination vessel for an arteriovenous hemodialysis access. In an example, the apparatus includes a tubular portion including a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. In a further example, a size-limiting portion is configured to constrain a size of the tubular portion in the deployed configuration. The tubular portion, in some examples, includes a first portion including a first size substantially matching an interior size of the destination vessel with the tubular portion in the deployed configuration. In another example, the tubular portion includes a second portion constrained by the size-limiting portion to include a second size smaller than the first size of the tubular portion.

Abstract: Blood flow restrictors are discussed. In some examples, a restrictor apparatus includes a converging entry portion, a diverging exit portion, and optionally a narrowed portion therebetween to restrict the flow of blood through an arteriovenous graft from a subject's artery to a vein. The structure of the restrictor apparatus decreases the pressure and volume of blood flow between the artery and vein to reduce or prevent hyperplasia or stenosis on the venous side, an increased load on the heart, or blood steal, among other things. The restrictor apparatus can be separate from, but couplable to, the arteriovenous graft. The restrictor apparatus can be integral with the arteriovenous graft. In some examples, the restrictor apparatus can be inserted into the arteriovenous graft in a compressed size and shape, and subsequently be allowed to expand to an uncompressed size and shape. Methods of forming and using the restrictor apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating an aneurysm or other vascular condition in a patient by implanting an extravascular intervention device to partially encircle a blood vessel, or portion thereof, having the vascular condition. The present invention also provides extravascular devices for use in treating patients with aneurysms and other vascular conditions. The extravascular intervention devices provide extravascular support to vascular walls of an aneurysm, thereby reducing the stress on the aneurysm walls and reducing the risk of rupture. The extravascular intervention devices may further be used as means for administering therapeutic agents to vascular targets extravascularly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating an aneurysm or other vascular condition in a patient by implanting an extravascular intervention device at least partially around a blood vessel, or portion thereof, having the vascular condition. The present invention also provides extravascular devices for use in treating patients with aneurysms and other vascular conditions. The extravascular intervention devices provide extravascular support to vascular walls of an aneurysm, thereby reducing the stress on the aneurysm walls and reducing the risk of rupture. The extravascular intervention devices may further be used as means for administering therapeutic agents to vascular targets extravascularly.

Abstract: This invention concerns a catheter protective device useful for a Y-adaptor, where a tubular member is positioned at the proximal end of the Y-adaptor The tubular member protects a catheter from being crushed by a fastener on the Y-adaptor and minimizes blood bleed-back.

Abstract: A method for identifying the presence of spontaneous ischemia in a subject comprised of obtaining biological samples from the subject at each of a plurality of time intervals within 18 hours of the onset of a symptom, measuring the amount of an angiogenic growth factor in the biological samples at each of the plurality of time intervals, and comparing the amounts of the angiogenic growth factor measured, wherein decreasing amounts of the angiogenic growth factor during the time intervals is indicative of spontaneous ischemia. Methods for identifying the presence of ischemia induced by an exercise or a pharmaceutical composition in a subject are also described.