A novel Anastomotic Coupling Procedure for use in the treatment of advanced (Stage III / IV) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is in development. A therapeutic fistula in the ilio-femoral region allows blood rich in oxygen to flow from the iliac artery to the iliac vein, thereby increasing the oxygen content of blood returning to the lungs.
The result may increase perfusion through the pulmonary system and may improve oxygen delivery to tissue. Overall changes in physiology benefits to COPD patients may include increases in cardiac output, increased oxygenation of blood that is returning to the heart (thereby reducing hypoxemia), as well as a potential reduction of pulmonary vascular resistance.
Thus, creation of a therapeutic arteriovenous fistula aims to utilize reserves in the cardiovascular system to compensate for deficiencies in respiratory function.