Patent Application for Variable Orifice Flow Shunt Devices

ChangeBridge: Patent Apps - Medical Devices (A61M)

Published November 25th, 2025

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The USPTO has published a patent application (US20260083945A1) for variable orifice flow shunt devices designed to reduce peak systolic pressure. The application details devices with check valves and adjustable orifices for percutaneous shunting from the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery.

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What changed

This document is a published patent application from the USPTO detailing a novel shunt device. The application, titled 'VARIABLE ORIFICE FLOW', describes devices configured for percutaneous shunting from the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery, featuring a check valve with a specific cracking pressure and a physiologically responsive adjustable orifice. The technology aims to reduce peak systolic pressure and includes flow control systems with variable orifice constrictors.

As this is a patent application, it does not impose direct regulatory obligations or compliance deadlines on regulated entities. However, it signifies potential future product development and innovation in the medical device sector, particularly for cardiovascular treatments. Companies in this space should be aware of this technological development as it may influence future product pipelines and competitive landscapes.

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Applications

VARIABLE ORIFICE FLOW

Application US20260083945A1 Kind: A1 Mar 26, 2026

Inventors

Hengchu Cao, Ming H. Wu, Ralph Schneider, Maximilien Evans Launey

Abstract

Described herein are shunt devices configured to achieve a targeted reduction in peak systolic pressure by percutaneously shunting from the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery. The shunt devices include a check valve with a cracking pressure to preserve a minimal transpulmonary pressure. Also described herein are flow diversion devices placed between pulmonary circulation vessels and venous vessels. The disclosed flow diversion devices are physiologically responsive through an adjustable orifice that can be adjusted after initial implantation through a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure. Disclosed herein are flow control systems that are configured to reduce recruitment of blood from the splanchnic system. The flow control systems include a variable orifice constrictor (e.g., a covered stent) and a controller that delivers energy to the constrictor to reduce the cross-sectional area of the lumen through the variable orifice constrictor.

CPC Classifications

A61M 27/002 A61F 2/2476 A61F 2/482 A61F 2220/0016 A61F 2230/001 A61F 2230/0069 A61F 2250/0007 A61F 2250/001 A61F 2250/0039 A61M 2039/242 A61M 2205/0266 A61M 2205/0272 A61M 2205/04 A61M 2205/3327 A61M 2205/3344 A61M 2205/50 A61M 2210/12 A61M 2230/005 A61M 2230/30