CPC A61B 17/1215 (2013.01) [A61B 17/12022 (2013.01); A61B 17/12036 (2013.01); A61B 17/1204 (2013.01); A61B 17/12109 (2013.01); A61B 17/12136 (2013.01); A61B 17/12145 (2013.01); A61B 17/12168 (2013.01); A61B 17/12177 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00867 (2013.01); A61B 2017/1205 (2013.01); A61B 2090/0811 (2016.02); A61B 2090/3966 (2016.02); A61B 2090/3975 (2016.02)] | 9 Claims |
1. An adjustable blood flow method for adjustably reducing blood flow within a blood vessel comprising:
positioning an expandable element of an adjustable blood flow assembly within a blood vessel having a blood vessel diameter (BVD), the expandable element including:
a cylindrical wire structure comprising a plurality of wire elements;
a proximal end and a distal end;
a cylindrical section having a first diameter, the first diameter corresponding at least approximately to the BVD;
an adjustable, radially inwardly foldable outer circumference (IFOC) comprising a plurality of foldable protrusions forming the distal end; and
a blood impervious cover configured to cover a surface of at least the IFOC such that the surface of the IFOC is integral;
and
adjusting the IFOC via a handle located outside of the blood vessel such that the IFOC forms a blood flow orifice at the distal end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter so as to produce a desired reduced blood flow from the orifice,
wherein:
the IFOC is operably connected to one or more connecting links extending from the expandable element to the handle via a shaft,
each foldable protrusion comprises a wire element extending from the cylindrical wire structure forming a loop;
and
the second diameter is established via pulling of the one or more connecting links in a direction toward the handle such that the IFOC folds inward.
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