Abstract: An operable shunt valve comprises a housing containing an inlet conduit for receiving fluid, an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet conduits. A normally closed valve is movably positioned in the housing resting against the valve seat and adapted to move away from the valve seat in response to fluid pressure in the inlet conduit. A normally collapsed expansible balloon is positioned in the inlet conduit and, when expanded, adapted to contact the valve to lift the valve from the valve seat. A reservoir mechanism is provided for controllably and manually expanding the balloon to thereby force the valve open in the event the valve becomes unresponsive to fluid pressure in the inlet. A method of using an operable, implanted shunt valve, substantially as described above, is also within the purview of the present invention.

Abstract: An operable shunt valve comprises a housing containing an inlet conduit for receiving fluid, an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet conduits. A normally closed valve is movably positioned in the housing resting against the valve seat and adapted to move away from the valve seat in response to fluid pressure in the inlet conduit. A normally collapsed expansible balloon is positioned in the inlet conduit and, when expanded, adapted to contact the valve to lift the valve from the valve seat. A reservoir mechanism is provided for controllably and manually expanding the balloon to thereby force the valve open in the event the valve becomes unresponsive to fluid pressure in the inlet. A method of using an operable, implanted shunt valve, substantially as described above, is also within the purview of the present invention.