Abstract: A CUSA having a cannula with an ultrasonic vibrating tip and a flue disposed around the cannula. A first ring electrode is disposed around the outside circumference of the flue and is movable along the axial length of the flue, allowing the physician to locate the electrode in a desired location. An RF generator supplies current to the first electrode and a current flow is formed between the electrode and the tip, with the tip acting as a ground. A second ring electrode can be disposed around the outside circumference of the flue proximal to the first and is also movable along the length of the flue. A second current flow can be established between the first electrode and the second. The movability of the electrodes and/or switching between electrodes allows the control of ablation and cauterizing zones formed between the electrodes and between the electrodes and the tip.

Abstract: Fluid containers having a volume marking(s) and conductive element(s) disposed at the volume marking(s) and a common conductive element are provided. For example, the fluid container has a wall forming the volume. The conductive element(s) and the common conductive element have a portion disposed within the volume and a portion external to the volume. The container further has a RFID tag, where the conductive element(s) and the common conductive element are connected thereto via respective conductive wires. A fluid detection system having the fluid containers is also provided. The system comprises one or more containers and a patient site monitor having a RF reader that interrogates the RFID tag at a preset interval. Responsive to the signal, the tag supplies a predetermined current to the conductive element and the common conductive element and detects a voltage and generates an alert based on the same.

Abstract: Fluid containers having a volume marking(s) and conductive element(s) disposed at the volume marking(s) and a common conductive element are provided. For example, the fluid container has a wall forming the volume. The conductive element(s) and the common conductive element have a portion disposed within the volume and a portion external to the volume. The container further has a RFID tag, where the conductive element(s) and the common conductive element are connected thereto via respective conductive wires. A fluid detection system having the fluid containers is also provided. The system comprises one or more containers and a patient site monitor having a RF reader that interrogates the RFID tag at a preset interval. Responsive to the signal, the tag supplies a predetermined current to the conductive element and the common conductive element and detects a voltage and generates an alert based on the same.

Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.

Abstract: A catheter system with integral sensing and clearing of occlusions is described. The system can include a catheter in fluid communication with a shunt for transporting a bodily fluid within, or out of, a patient's body. The catheter and/or the shunt can include one or more detection wires and one or more transmission wires. The detection wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the detection of changes in electrical properties of the fluid indicating an occlusion, or other anomaly, in the catheter. The transmission wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the application of electromagnetic energy to the occlusion to facilitate its removal. The detection wires and the transmission wires can be the same or different wires. The system can include a probe that can be externally connected to the wires to provide detection and or transmission signals.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable shunt system is disclosed that, in one example implementation, includes a resilient member and a connected fluid regulating device. The fluid regulating device selectively permits fluid flow through an opening valve of an implantable shunt according to an adjustable opening pressure. The opening pressure is proportional to an amount of tension on the resilient member. One or more tension sensors that are connected to the resilient member measure an amount of tension on the resilient member. The tension sensors generate tension data that corresponds to the measured amount of tension. The system further includes a communication unit with a transmitting unit that transmits the measured data over a communication link. The system also includes a reading unit that receives the transmitted tension data over the communication link. The reading unit includes a connector that electrically connects the reading unit to the transmission unit.

Abstract: A catheter system with integral sensing and clearing of occlusions is described. The system can include a catheter in fluid communication with a shunt for transporting a bodily fluid within, or out of, a patient's body. The catheter and/or the shunt can include one or more detection wires and one or more transmission wires. The detection wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the detection of changes in electrical properties of the fluid indicating an occlusion, or other anomaly, in the catheter. The transmission wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the application of electromagnetic energy to the occlusion to facilitate its removal. The detection wires and the transmission wires can be the same or different wires. The system can include a probe that can be externally connected to the wires to provide detection and or transmission signals.

Abstract: An CUSA having a cannula with an ultrasonic frequency vibrating tip with a flue disposed around the cannula. A first electrode is disposed on an outside of the flue and an RF generator provides current to the first electrode. A current flow is formed between the electrode and the tip and the tip acts as a ground. The first electrode can take the shape of a complete circumferential ring or a partially circumferential ring. The first electrode can be removably disposed on and/or movable along a length of the flue to allow the surgeon to “clip-on” or adjust the electrode at the position of their choice. A second electrode can be disposed on the outside of the flue and proximal to the first. A second current flow can be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable shunt system is disclosed that, in one example implementation, includes a resilient member and a connected fluid regulating device. The fluid regulating device selectively permits fluid flow through an opening valve of an implantable shunt according to an adjustable opening pressure. The opening pressure is proportional to an amount of tension on the resilient member. One or more tension sensors that are connected to the resilient member measure an amount of tension on the resilient member. The tension sensors generate tension data that corresponds to the measured amount of tension. The system further includes a communication unit with a transmitting unit that transmits the measured data over a communication link. The system also includes a reading unit that receives the transmitted tension data over the communication link. The reading unit includes a connector that electrically connects the reading unit to the transmission unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable shunt system is disclosed that, in one example implementation, includes a resilient member and a connected fluid regulating device. The fluid regulating device selectively permits fluid flow through an opening valve of an implantable shunt according to an adjustable opening pressure. The opening pressure is proportional to an amount of tension on the resilient member. One or more tension sensors that are connected to the resilient member measure an amount of tension on the resilient member. The tension sensors generate tension data that corresponds to the measured amount of tension. The system further includes a communication unit with a transmitting unit that transmits the measured data over a communication link.

Abstract: A catheter system with integral sensing and clearing of occlusions is described. The system can include a catheter in fluid communication with a shunt for transporting a bodily fluid within, or out of, a patient's body. The catheter and/or the shunt can include one or more detection wires and one or more transmission wires. The detection wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the detection of changes in electrical properties of the fluid indicating an occlusion, or other anomaly, in the catheter. The transmission wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the application of electromagnetic energy to the occlusion to facilitate its removal. The detection wires and the transmission wires can be the same or different wires. The system can include a probe that can be externally connected to the wires to provide detection and or transmission signals.

Abstract: A catheter system with integral sensing and clearing of occlusions is described. The system can include a catheter in fluid communication with a shunt for transporting a bodily fluid within, or out of, a patient's body. The catheter and/or the shunt can include one or more detection wires and one or more transmission wires. The detection wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the detection of changes in electrical properties of the fluid indicating an occlusion, or other anomaly, in the catheter. The transmission wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the application of electromagnetic energy to the occlusion to facilitate its removal. The detection wires and the transmission wires can be the same or different wires. The system can include a probe that can be externally connected to the wires to provide detection and or transmission signals.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable shunt system is disclosed that, in one example implementation, includes a resilient member and a connected fluid regulating device. The fluid regulating device selectively permits fluid flow through an opening valve of an implantable shunt according to an adjustable opening pressure. The opening pressure is proportional to an amount of tension on the resilient member. One or more tension sensors that are connected to the resilient member measure an amount of tension on the resilient member. The tension sensors generate tension data that corresponds to the measured amount of tension. The system further includes a communication unit with a transmitting unit that transmits the measured data over a communication link.

Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.

Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.

Abstract: An implantable pump and methods for detecting leaks in an implantable pump are provided. In one embodiment, the implantable drug pump includes a housing having at least one inlet port and an outlet port formed therein. The outlet port is adapted to communicate with a catheter for delivering fluid to a patient's body, and the inlet port(s) are effective to deliver fluid into the housing. The housing further includes at least one reservoir disposed therein and effective to contain a fluid. In use, the pump preferably includes a fluid having one or more drugs disposed in at least one of the reservoirs, and a radiopaque fluid disposed in one of the reservoirs. A user programmable control mechanism is coupled to the drug pump and is effective to selectively control movement of the valves between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.

Abstract: A shunt valve assembly includes an electromechanical brake mechanism that locks a position of a pressure setting mechanism within a shunt valve assembly. The electromechanical brake can maintain the position of the pressure setting mechanism in the presence of a relatively strong magnetic field to maintain a set pressure differential within the shunt valve assembly. In certain cases, the shunt valve requires repositioning of the pressure setting mechanism within the shunt valve assembly to adjust a fluid flow rate through the shunt valve assembly. A clinician can activate an external controller to transmit a signal to the shunt valve assembly through magnetically coupled antennas between the controller and the shunt valve. The shunt valve assembly utilizes the signal to activate the braking mechanism and unlock the pressure setting mechanism. The clinician then operates the controller to non-invasively reposition the pressure setting mechanism and adjust the pressure at which the shunt valve opens.

Abstract: A closed loop feedback drug delivery system for controlling muscle activity, e.g., spasticity. The system includes a sensor, e.g., an EMG sensor, for monitoring muscle activity and generating a detected muscle activity signal. A controller automatically adjusts at least one of timing and dosage of a drug administered to control muscle activity based on the detected muscle activity signal and produces a control signal. Administering of the drug, e.g., an antispasmodic drug, for controlling muscle activity based on the control signal is performed by an infusion pump. The drug after being emitted from the pump is then delivered to the spinal cord of the patient using an intrathecal catheter.

Abstract: A shunt valve assembly includes an electromechanical brake mechanism that locks a position of a pressure setting mechanism within a shunt valve assembly. The electromechanical brake can maintain the position of the pressure setting mechanism in the presence of a relatively strong magnetic field to maintain a set pressure differential within the shunt valve assembly. In certain cases, the shunt valve requires repositioning of the pressure setting mechanism within the shunt valve assembly to adjust a fluid flow rate through the shunt valve assembly. A clinician can activate an external controller to transmit a signal to the shunt valve assembly through magnetically coupled antennas between the controller and the shunt valve. The shunt valve assembly utilizes the signal to activate the braking mechanism and unlock the pressure setting mechanism. The clinician then operates the controller to non-invasively reposition the pressure setting mechanism and adjust the pressure at which the shunt valve opens.