US Patent 8252042 Devices, systems and methods to treat heart failure

Several unique intracardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intracardiac pressure vents presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms but also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombus or other embolic material from entering the arterial circulation. In embodiments, the device comprises a core segment, an annular flange to engage one surface of the atrial septum and two other annular flanges to engage another surface of the atrial septum.