| abstract |
A shunt and method of use for maintaining distal blood flow during an arteriotomy procedure is disclosed. The shunt includes a first tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The proximal end has an opening in communication with the lumen, and the proximal opening is adapted to receive blood from a first region of an artery. The distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen, and the distal opening is adapted to release blood into a second region of the artery. The shunt includes a second tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween which either merges and communicates at its distal end with the lumen of the first tubular member, or rides separate and parallel to it. The shunt also includes a hemostatic valve attached to the proximal end of the second tubular member, the valve acting to prevent loss of blood from the lumen of the second tubular member and to permit the introduction of a medical device into the lumen of the second tubular member and into the artery. In use, the distal opening of the shunt is inserted into the second region of an artery and secured to the lumen of the artery. A blood filter device is deployed within the artery. The proximal opening of the shunt is inserted into the first region of the artery and secured to the lumen of the artery. Endarterectomy is performed on the region of the artery which lies between the proximal opening and the distal opening of the shunt, and embolic material dislodged during the procedure is captured by the filter. |