Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. The flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly.

Abstract: A system includes a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. A flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly(10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. The flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly.

Abstract: A system includes a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. A flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly (10).

Abstract: A surgical trimming tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first cutting jaw extends from a first end of the first handle, and a second cutting jaw extends from a first end of the second handle. The first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another. A resiliently flexible clip is attached to either the first or second cutting jaw. The clip is configured to flex upwardly as the object is cut to retain the object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the object is forceably removed from the clip. The clip is typically S-shaped, with the first end thereof attached to the associated cutting jaw, and a second end having a sharp edge extending over a cutting edge of the associated jaw.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in fastening systems used to reattach a skull flap removed during brain surgery where such fastening systems include elements, usually flat or disc shaped, placed on both sides of a patient's cranium that are connected by a post, wire, shank or other similar structure. The improvement consists of a washer made of a compliant material that improves the fixation properties of the fastening system elements. The washer in one embodiment is simply a flat disc made of a compliant material with a centrally located hole. In an alternate embodiment, the washer wraps around the flat or disc shaped element of the fastening system. In a further variant of the embodiments described, the washer includes a central protrusion extending away from top side of the washer. In a further alternate embodiment of the washer in all the described embodiments may also be placed on the upper or outer lock element of a fastening system.

Abstract: A surgical tool for tensioning cranial-flap clamps is provided. The tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first jaw extends from the first handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A second jaw extends from the second handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A ratcheting mechanism is positioned within a cavity of the second jaw for selectively locking the stem in place within the second jaw aperture while the first jaw moves clamp closure members toward one another. The ratcheting mechanism includes a pawl pivotally attached to the jaw, and having teeth on an outer edge thereof, and a spring associated with the jaw and pawl to bias the pawl in a locking position when the first and second jaws are separated.

Abstract: A process for treating a patient with hydrocephalus is disclosed which utilizes an external medical drainage system having a slide interface between a mounting assembly and a disposable drip assembly. The mounting assembly is generally reusable and the drip assembly disposable. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, and tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: An external medical drainage system is provided which has a slide interface between a mounting assembly to a pole, and a disposable drip assembly and a stopcock which snap-fits to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag, and a stopcock associated with the tubing and fixed to a clip. The stopcock clip snap-fits into clip-accepting notches of the clamp. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: A surgical trimming tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first cutting jaw extends from a first end of the first handle, and a second cutting jaw extends from a first end of the second handle. The first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another. A resiliently flexible clip is attached to either the first or second cutting jaw. The clip is configured to flex upwardly as the object is cut to retain the object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the object is forceably removed from the clip. The clip is typically S-shaped, with the first end thereof attached to the associated cutting jaw, and a second end having a sharp edge extending over a cutting edge of the associated jaw.

Abstract: A surgical tool for tensioning cranial-flap clamps is provided. The tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first jaw extends from the first handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A second jaw extends from the second handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A ratcheting mechanism is positioned within a cavity of the second jaw for selectively locking the stem in place within the second jaw aperture while the first jaw moves clamp closure members toward one another. The ratcheting mechanism includes a pawl pivotally attached to the jaw, and having teeth on an outer edge thereof, and a spring associated with the jaw and pawl to bias the pawl in a locking position when the first and second jaws are separated.

Abstract: A process for treating a patient with hydrocephalus is disclosed which utilizes an external medical drainage system having a slide interface between a mounting assembly and a disposable drip assembly. The mounting assembly is generally reusable and the drip assembly disposable. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, and tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: An external medical drainage system is provided which has a slide interface between a mounting assembly to a pole, and a disposable drip assembly and a stopcock which snap-fits to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag, and a stopcock associated with the tubing and fixed to a clip. The stopcock clip snap-fits into clip-accepting notches of the clamp. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: An external medical drainage system is provided which has a slide interface between a mounting assembly and a disposable drip assembly. The mounting assembly is generally reusable and the drip assembly disposable. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, and tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel. The key extends through the slot, but the channel is configured such that the support rail provides means for restricting the key to longitudinal movement within the channel.

Abstract: An external medical drainage system is provided which has a slide interface between a mounting assembly to a pole, and a disposable drip assembly and a stopcock which snap-fits to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag, and a stopcock associated with the tubing and fixed to a clip. The stopcock clip snap-fits into clip-accepting notches of the clamp. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.