Methods and apparatus are provided for treating congestive heart failure
using a catheter having an inlet end configured for placement in the
source of arterial blood such as the aorta, left ventricle or a femoral
artery, and an outlet end having at least one conduit configured to be
placed in the renal arteries. The catheter includes a lumen through which
blood passes from the aorta or left ventricle directly to the renal
artery, means for engaging the first conduit with renal artery. The means
for engaging also may reduce backflow of blood into the abdominal aorta.
The catheter preferably is configured to permit percutaneous,
transluminal implantation. Methods of using and implanting the catheter
are also provided.