Pressure attenuation device
A therapeutic device is provided. The therapeutic device can include a flexible housing and can be configured to be positioned within an anatomical structure. The therapeutic device can also include at least one high vapor pressure media having a vapor pressure greater than the pressure within the anatomical structure and a permeability of less than 1 ml/day at body temperature through said outer wall.
1. A therapeutic device, comprising:
a flexible housing comprising an outer wall defining a chamber therein, said housing configured to be positioned within an anatomical structure while in a first, introduction configuration and then at least partially expanded into a second, implanted configuration; and
at least one high vapor pressure media having a vapor pressure greater than the pressure within the anatomical structure and a permeability of less than 1 ml/day at body temperature through said outer wall.
2. The device in claim 1 , wherein said second configuration is operable to attenuate pressure spikes within said anatomical structure by reversibly reducing in volume in response to said pressure spikes.
3. The device in claim 1 , wherein said housing forms a toroid.
4. The device in claim 1 , wherein said housing forms a toroid with a central region further comprising a membrane.
5. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device carries a therapeutic substance and wherein said device is operable to release said substance.
6. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device carries a diagnostic substance and wherein said device is operable to release said substance.
7. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device carries a signaling device.
8. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device carries a therapeutic agent; wherein said device is programmed to deliver said therapeutic agent in a continuous or bolus presentation.
9. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a valve and is programmed to be responsive to physiological stimuli.
10. The device in claim 1 , further comprising a valve programmed to be responsive to a remote signal.
11. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device is coated to inhibit the deposition of materials present in the anatomical structure.
12. The device in claim 1 , further comprising a pressure monitor.
13. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device is configured to record or transmit information.
14. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device is comprised of more than one housing.
15. The device in claim 1 , further comprising a fuse.
16. The device in claim 1 , wherein said high vapor pressure media comprises one or more of sulfur hexafluoride, hexafluoroethane, perfluoropropane, perfluorobutane, perfluoropentane, perfluorohexane, perfluorohepane, perfluorooctane, perfluorodecalin, octafluoropropane, decafluoro-n-butane, perfluorooctylbromide, heptafluoropropane, perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene and tetrafluoroethane.
17. The device in claim 1 , wherein said housing defines a volume between 1 and 100 cc.
18. The device in claim 1 , wherein said device is operable to reduce the rate in a rise of pressure within said anatomical structure.
19. A method of treating a patient, comprising the steps of:
providing a compressible attenuation device which is moveable from a first, introduction configuration to a second, implanted configuration;
introducing the attenuation device into the anatomical structure while in the first configuration;
transforming the attenuation device within the anatomical structure to the second configuration; and
attenuating a pressure change within the anatomical structure by reversibly changing the volume of the attenuation device in response to the pressure change;
introducing within the attenuation device at least one high vapor pressure media having a vapor pressure greater than said anatomical structure.