| abstract |
A device ( 10 ) for treating heart failure in a patient. The device ( 10 ) comprising a body ( 12 ), at least one passage ( 18 ) through the body ( 12 ), at least one one way valve ( 20 ) in the passage ( 18 ) and a mounting means ( 14 ) adapted for mounting the body ( 12 ) in an opening provided in the patient's atrial septum. In use, the device ( 10 ) is oriented such that, when the patient's left atrial pressure exceeds the patient's right atrial pressure by a predetermined amount, the one way valve(s) ( 20 ) opens to allow blood flow through the passage(s) from the left atrium to the right atrium to thereby reduce the left atrial pressure. |