Abstract: Epilepsy and other neurological disorders that are affected by the electrical potential difference between intracellular fluid and extra-cellular fluid and therefore the cell membrane potentials, and therefore the thresholds for the communication between brain cells can be controlled by re-circulating extra-cellular brain fluid after the fluid has been treated to alter its ion concentrations. A computer-controlled pump can precisely control the extraction and delivery of brain fluid after the ion concentration of the fluid is appropriately adjusted, e.g. guided by the Goldmann equation. Well-known techniques for modifying ion concentrations can be used to raise or lower ion concentrations as needed.

Abstract: A medical lead anchor anchors a medical lead relative to the epidural space of the spinal cord, intrathecal space, or peripheral nerve of a patient. The lead anchor comprises a sleeve having a plurality of eyelets and a passage through the sleeve. The anchor further comprises a locking device defining a collet, a collet driver and a handle. The locking device has a lead passage. The collet driver is sized to fit the passage in the sleeve and has a spiral slot to operatively engage a pin on the sleeve located in the sleeve passage. The sleeve and attached locking device are slid over the lead. The sleeve is sutured to tissue located near the location where the lead enters the epidural space. The collet and collet driver of the locking device are moved along the passage of the sleeve with the spiral slot of the collet driver operatively engaging the pin.

Abstract: Techniques for infusing drugs into the brain to treat neurodegenerative disorders by system of an implantable pump and catheter. The drugs are capable of altering the level of excitation of neruons in the brain. A sensor is used to detect an attribute of the nervous system which reflects the hyperexcitation of the nerve cells projecting onto the degenerating nerve cells. A microprocessor algorithm analyzes the output from the sensor in order to regulate the amount of drug delivered to the brain.

Abstract: Techniques for implanting and refilling a device for delivering a treatment agent to a body. First and second chambers for holding treatment agent and delivery agent, respectively, are placed adjacent docking compartments adapted to receive a hypodermic needle through septums so that the expended delivery agent can be withdrawn and a new supply of treatment agent can be introduced without removing the device from its implanted position in a body.