Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. The devices are adapted to permit fluid flow across the membrane in which the device is implanted at first rate, and at a second rate, wherein a difference between the first rate and the second rate is not solely dependent upon variations in blood pressure differential across the membrane due to the heart's pumping cycle.

Devices and methods for controlling blood perfusion pressure. In an exemplary device for controlling blood perfusion pressure within a vessel of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body having a lumen, a proximal end configured for placement in a first area having a first blood pressure, and a distal end configured for placement in a second area having a second blood pressure, partial occluder positioned within the lumen of the elongated body between the proximal end and the distal end, the partial occluder configured so not to fully occlude a blood vessel, wherein the partial occluder is configured to equalize the first blood pressure at the first area with the second blood pressure at the second area.

A differential pressure regulating device is provided for controlling in-vivo pressure in a body, and in particularly in a heart. The device may include a shunt being positioned between two or more lumens in a body, to enable fluids to flow between the lumens, and an adjustable flow regulation mechanism being configured to selectively cover an opening of the shunt, to regulate the flow of fluid through the shunt in relation to a pressure difference between the body lumens. In some embodiments a control mechanism coupled to the adjustable flow regulation mechanism may be provided, to remotely activate the adjustable flow regulation mechanism.

A shunt device includes a central passageway, a proximal arm, and a distal arm. The proximal and distal arms are shaped to capture tissue therebetween for anchoring the shunt device. The shunt device preferably includes a spring element having a distal end coupled to the distal arm and a proximal end coupled to the proximal arm. The spring element is stretchable for accommodating the tissue captured between the distal and proximal arms. The spring element is preferably made from a radiopaque material, thereby providing a clinician with a visual indication that tissue has been captured between the proximal and distal arms of the shunt device. A release wire may be coupled to one end of the spring element. The release wire is retractable for releasing the end of the spring element.

A differential pressure regulating device is provided for controlling in-vivo pressure in a body, particular in a heart. The device may include a shunt being positioned between two or more lumens in a body, to enable fluids to flow between the lumens, and an adjustable flow regulation mechanism being configured to selectively cover an opening of the shunt to regulate the flow of fluid through the shunt in relation to a pressure difference between the body lumens. In some embodiments, a control mechanism coupled to the adjustable flow regulation mechanism may be provided to remotely activate the adjustable flow regulation mechanism.

An example system for delivering an implantable medical device is disclosed. The system includes a handle housing having a distal end region, a proximal end region and an inner cavity. The system also includes a power supply disposed within the handle, the power supply coupled to a first and second electric motors. The system also includes a first linear screw coupled to both the first electric motor and an actuation shaft. The system also includes a second linear screw coupled to both the second electric motor and an outer shaft. Further, the first electric motor is configured to be disengaged from first linear screw such that a first tool can be used to engage the first linear screw and the second electric motor is configured to be disengaged from second linear screw such that the first tool can be used to engage the second linear screw.

A method and devices for relieving pressure in the left atrium of a patient's heart is disclosed. The method includes using an ablative catheter in a minimally invasive procedure to prepare an opening from the coronary sinus into a left atrium of the patient's heart. Once the opening is prepared, the opening may be enlarged by a technique such as expanding a balloon within the opening. A stent is then placed within the coronary sinus of the patient, with a transverse portion expanding within the opening, allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the coronary sinus and then to the right atrium. Pressure within the left atrium is thus relieved.