US Patent 8172896 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. Retrievability during deployment is improved, in part, by providing at least one segment or portion of the device that is retained within the placement catheter while all other segments or portions of the device are deployed.