Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for harvesting and processing tissue from patients for grafting. The devices can include a tissue collection chamber for ascetically collecting, processing, and/or re-implanting adipose tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus (20) for implanting in a heart of a human subject. The apparatus includes an interatrial anchor (22) shaped to define an opening (26) having a diameter of 4-8 mm, and a bag (24) in fluid communication with the opening of the anchor. The apparatus is shaped to fit within a right atrium of the heart of the subject, and has a capacity of between 4 and 20 cm3. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems and methods are provided for inserting an implant into an eye. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used to dispose or implant an ocular stent or implant, such as a shunt, in communication with a suprachoroidal space of the eye. The implant can drain fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiologic outflow path of the eye, such as, the suprachoroidal space or other portion of the uveoscleral outflow path. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used in conjunction with other ocular surgery, for example, but not limited to, cataract surgery-through a preformed corneal incision, or independently with the inserter configured to make a corneal incision. The implant can be preloaded with or within the inserter to advantageously provide a sterile, easy-to-use package for use by an operator.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes: an antenna including: a metal signal layer having a radiating surface; and a feed port; and a waveguide surrounding the antenna and configured to guide electromagnetic energy transmitted from the radiating surface in a direction away from the antenna; and a controller module connected to the feed port and configured to drive the antenna to transmit electromagnetic energy from the radiating surface; wherein the antenna, waveguide, and controller module are configured such that, when the controller module drives the antenna, the transmitted electromagnetic energy matches a reception characteristic of an implantable device and is sufficient for the implantable device to create one or more electrical pulses of sufficient amplitude to stimulate neural tissue of a patient, solely using electromagnetic energy received from the antenna, when the implantable device is located at least 10 centimeters away from the antenna.

Abstract: A shunt for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium comprises an anchor comprising a neck region, first and second end regions, and a conduit affixed with the anchor that formed of a biocompatible material that is resistant to transmural and translation tissue ingrowth and that reduces a risk of paradoxical embolism.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure, wedgable retention within a lacrimal punctum and associated canaliculus of an eye are disclosed. The lacrimal implants can comprise an implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus. The implant body can include first and second portions, and can extend from a proximal end of the first portion defining a longitudinal proximal axis to a distal end of the second portion defining a longitudinal distal axis. The implant body can be configured such that, when implanted using an integral dilator, an angled intersection exists between the proximal and distal axes. In this way, at least a portion of the implant body can be biased against at least a portion of the lacrimal canaliculus located at or more distal to a canalicular curvature, thereby retaining an implanted position of the lacrimal implant using anatomical structures.

Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device regulator (GDDR) is disclosed which comprises a membrane and a lumen to regulate the flow of aqueous in conjunction with different ocular (e.g., glaucoma) filtering procedures. In connection with aqueous shunting, the GDDR can be placed over the tip of a shunt tube in the anterior chamber, either at the time of initial surgery or also in devices which have been previously implanted. In connection with trabeculectomy, the GDDR can comprise a flange for seating the GDDR at the sclerostomy in trabeculectomy surgery.

Abstract: The invention discloses an artificial valve (10, 20, 30, 50) for implantation in a mammal body, in or adjacent to a mammal blood vessel, comprising a casing (12, 37, 61) and a closing mechanism, with at least part of said closing mechanism being a first moving part (11; 21, 22; 31, 32, 33; 51) adapted to make movements relative to said casing (12, 37, 61), said movements being to assume an open and a closed position for opening and closing, respectively, the blood flow through said blood vessel, as well as to positions in between said open and closed positions. In the valve of the invention, the closing mechanism is adapted to be powered in its movements to the closed position, with the powering being at least in part by means of a power mechanism (76, 83) external to the blood vessel.

Abstract: A fluid monitoring assembly includes a conduit having a wall defining a lumen for carrying fluid. A sensor mount is integrally formed with the wall of the conduit and extends generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the conduit, the sensor mount including an aperture defining an inner surface extending to the lumen. The assembly includes a sensor configured to be removably secured within the sensor mount, the sensor having an elongate body terminating at one end thereof in a sensing portion, the elongate body having a male projection on a portion thereof and configured to rest within the inner surface of the sensor mount. The assembly further includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another, the housing defining an interior portion configured to encapsulate the conduit, at least a portion of the elongate body of the sensor, and the sensor mount.

Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a delivery catheter having a diameter of 21 french or less; an expandable anchor disposed within the delivery catheter; and a replacement valve disposed within the delivery catheter. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: inserting a catheter having a diameter no more than 21 french into the patient; endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve through the catheter; and deploying the anchor and the replacement valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for draining. The apparatus includes a body, the body having a first compartment adjacent to a second compartment, the first compartment having an inlet port fluidly connected to an outlet port, the inlet port defining a needle seat within the first compartment, a first rod hole for operation with a second rod hole in the second compartment, and a plurality of venting holes, the second compartment having a plurality of spaced notches along. The apparatus further includes a setting rod, the setting rod having a shaft and a sealing head, the shaft sized to be slideably maintained in the first rod hole and the second rod hole, the sealing head slideably attached to an end of the shaft and sized to obstruct fluid flow from the inlet port at the needle seat.

Abstract: A gravitational pressure regulating valve to regulate fluid flow of a patient, including a fluid chamber having an inlet port to receive a bodily fluid and an outlet port to discharge received bodily fluid, the fluid chamber including a first chamber configured to capture a non-buoyant member therein and to guide the non-buoyant member along a longitudinal axis of the first chamber to facilitate bi-directional reciprocating movement of the non-buoyant member to and from the inlet port, and a second chamber configured to capture one or more buoyant members therein such that when the second chamber is filled with bodily fluid, at least one of the buoyant members applies a resolved buoyant pressure from a buoyant force of the one or more buoyant members in opposition to an inlet pressure of fluid at the inlet port.

Abstract: A shunt device for directing fluid from a human head, and methods thereof are provided herein. The device can be mounted at a skull and include a first catheter that extends into a portion of the head such as a lateral ventricle. The first catheter can covey fluid through, and past a valve to a shunt body. The shunt body can include openings, allowing the fluid to reenter the head, for example at the subarachnoid space. The shunt body can also include other openings that can be associated with a second catheter. Fluid can thus also be conveyed out of the body or to a subgaleal pocket.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including a layered wall, the flexible tubular structure including a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe encased in the layered wall, the layered wall configured to allow an interaction between the plurality of the at least one type of commensal microbe and an ingested product within the flexible tubular structure, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inflatable weight control device that is implanted long-term with an endoscope in obese and bariatric human patients to promote early and prolonged satiety. The device includes a flexible, inflatable member coupled to a valve body assembly and an elongated durable module residing within the flexible member. The flexible member is selectively inflated to form two bulbs with a central passageway extending through the bulbs and the valve body assembly. Once the bulbs are inflated, the device is retained within the patient's pyloric valve to form a gastric outlet obstruction wherein chyme accumulates and then is directed through the central passageway to reach the patient's duodenum. Due to its unique configuration, the implanted device reduces gastric outflow which results in early and prolonged satiety when the patient consumes normal-sized meals or food portions, thereby reducing food consumption and increasing the patient's weight loss.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including a layered wall, the flexible tubular structure including at least one microbe-promoting agent encased in the layered wall, the microbe-promoting agent configured to promote at least one of attraction, colonization, and growth of at least one type of commensal microbe, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous optical conduit assemblies (e.g., biocompatible and implantable optical conduit assemblies), and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous optical conduit assemblies (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (“PDMS”)-based optical conduit assemblies) configured to power implantable devices (e.g., neural micro-stimulators or deep brain stimulators or the like) or to be used in optogenetic stimulation. In general, the exemplary optical conduit assemblies can be used for applications where energy needs to be transmitted to deep locations inside the body or brain without using electrical wires. Therefore, implantable devices that need to be powered (e.g., neural prosthetics) can be powered from an external light source using an optical conduit and an optical-to-electrical converter (e.g., a photodiode) attached to the end of the optical conduit on the inside.

Abstract: Endoluminal devices are provided for the treatment of heart failure which include a central body adapted to permit the passage of interatrial blood, at least one anchor attached to the central body adapted to keep the endoluminal device in position within a defect present in the atrial septum of a patient's heart, and at least one control element engaged with the central body in a rotating manner. The rotation of the control element in relation to the central body creates a two-way flow of interatrial blood which allows the reduction of high pressure in the right side and in the left side of the heart.

Abstract: Blood pump assemblies and methods of manufacturing and operating blood pump assemblies are provided. The blood pump assembly includes a pump and an impeller blade rotatably coupled to the pump. The blood pump assembly also includes a pump housing component sized for passage through a body lumen and coupled to the pump. The pump housing component includes a peripheral wall extending about a rotation axis of the impeller blade. The peripheral wall includes an inner peripheral wall surface and an outer peripheral wall surface. The peripheral wall also includes one or more blood exhaust apertures. Each blood exhaust aperture in the one or more blood exhaust apertures is defined by an inner aperture edge and an outer aperture edge. Each inner aperture edge is chamfered between the inner peripheral wall surface and the outer peripheral wall surface.

Abstract: Implanting an intraocular shunt into an eye can involve creating an opening in the cornea and positioning a shunt in the anterior chamber of the eye such that the shunt terminates between layers of Tenon's capsule, thereby facilitating fluid flow out of the anterior chamber into a space between the layers of Tenon's capsule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve shunting fluid, e.g., shunting cerebrospinal fluid in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Self-cleaning catheters are provided which include split tips configured such that pulsatile flow of fluid in a cavity in which the catheter is inserted can cause the tips to strike one another and thereby clear obstructions. Catheters with built-in flow indicators are also provided. Exemplary flow indicators include projections that extend radially inward from the interior surface of the catheter and which include imageable portions (e.g., portions which are visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Movement of the flow indicators caused by fluid flowing through the catheter can be detected using MRI, thereby providing a reliable indication as to whether the catheter is partially or completely blocked.

Abstract: A medical implant including an anchor portion including a plurality of arms adapted to engage an internal tissue wall of a body from two opposite faces, wherein the anchor portion is configured such that at least one of the arms does not have an entirely overlapping arm on the other side of the wall and an opening portion adapted to define an opening for blood flow through the internal tissue wall, when the anchor portion engages the wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating an ocular condition includes a heating chamber comprising a material expandable when heated and comprising a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet. A heating element is arranged and disposed to introduce heat in the heating chamber. A flexible diaphragm separates the heating chamber from the flow passage, and is moveable between a first position and a second position to change a volume of one of the pump chamber and flow passages in response to a temperature change in the heating chamber.

Abstract: A position sensitive implant is described which comprises a flow channel which is provided with a value which will automatically adjust flow rate through the flow channel depending on whether the flow channel is generally vertical or generally horizontal. The implant may be a shunt used to treat glaucoma.

Abstract: An adjunct for a gastrointestinal device and a system including said adjunct are described herein and include a substrate configured to attach to a gastrointestinal device, the substrate including a first surface and a second surface, and a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe associated with at least a portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A system for implantation in an eye of a patient includes a flow device sized for implantation into the eye of the patient. The flow device includes a fluid flow passageway and a flow system. The flow system may include a regulator having a magnetic element, and may be displaceable in the fluid flow passageway to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway. The system may also include a control device physically separate from the flow device and configured to be disposed outside the eye, the control device comprising an actuator magnetic field generator configured to act on the magnetic element to adjust the regulator in the flow system to selectively adjust flow through the flow device in response to changes in intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems and methods are provided for inserting an implant into an eye. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used to dispose or implant an ocular stent or implant, such as a shunt, in communication with the suprachoroidal space, uveal scleral outflow pathway, uveoscleral outflow path or supraciliary space of the eye. The implant can drain fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiologic outflow path of the eye, such as, the suprachoroidal space, uveal scleral outflow pathway, uveoscleral outflow path or supraciliary space. Alternatively, or in addition, the implant can elute a drug or therapeutic agent. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used in conjunction with other ocular surgery, for example, but not limited to, cataract surgery through a preformed corneal incision, or independently with the inserter configured to make a corneal incision.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system for shunting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of an eye includes an implant having an elongated body made of biocompatible material and a delivery device. At least a portion of the elongated body is implantable between a sclera and a ciliary body while the elongated body resides entirely within the confines of the sclera and a cornea with the proximal end of the implant being configured to reside within an anterior chamber angle and a lumen extending from at least one inlet port of the implant, through at least a portion of the elongated body, to one or more outlet ports of the implant so as to drain fluid from the anterior chamber toward a choroid of the eye. The delivery device includes an elongated member with a curved distal end portion to deliver the implant using an ab interno procedure.

Abstract: An adjustable hydrocephalus valve for pressure equalization of the cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium of a hydrocephalus patient. The valve is adjustable to change the opening and closing pressure of the valve. The valve housing has a cover portion that can be depressed to thereby disengage a locking device to permit adjustment of the valve. The cover portion bulges outwardly, but bulges inwardly when depressed. The cover portion snaps when moved between the outward bulge and the inward bulge to thereby generate an audio and/or visual signal indicating that the cover portion has been switched from the outward bulge to the inward bulge, and vice versa.

Abstract: Ablation catheters and systems include multiple inline chambers for containing and heating an ablative agent. The heating chamber includes one or more channels to increase the contact surface area of the ablative agent with the walls of the heating chamber to provide more efficient heating. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises trabecular bypass surgery, which involves bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with the use of a stent implant. The stent implant is inserted into an opening created in the trabecular meshwork by a piercing member that is slidably advanceable through the lumen of the stent implant for supporting the implant insertion. The stent implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the stent implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.

Abstract: An endovascular valve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter having at its distal end a valve. The valve is constructed of a braid of elongate first filaments coupled together at their proximal ends in a manner that the first filaments are movable relative to each other along their lengths. The first filaments have a spring bias that radially expands the valve. A filter is provided to the braid formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments. The lumen of the catheter is in communication with the center of the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: A liner support frame is configured to be positioned in a gastrointestinal tract of a human and to support a liner which inhibits nutrient absorption and anchor the liner in place in the gastrointestinal tract, the liner support frame includes a plurality of frame members connected to one another so that the liner support frame possesses a plurality of openings. The liner support frame includes a plurality of frame portions arranged axially and possessing different tapers.

Abstract: Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A glaucoma drainage device includes a drainage lumen and a valve system coupled to the drainage lumen to control the flow of fluid through the drainage lumen. The valve system includes an adjustable valve with a diaphragm that is in communication with the drainage lumen and is movable to occupy varying amounts of the drainage lumen. In some embodiments, the valve system is maintained in a desired position without the use of power such that power is only needed when changing a position of the adjustable valve.

Abstract: A reperfusion system and method of perfusing a blood vessel using the reperfusion system are provided. The system includes an introducer sheath, a middle catheter extending through the introducer sheath, and a balloon microcatheter extending through the middle catheter. A connecting tube extends between a lumen of the introducer sheath and a valve at a proximal end of the microcatheter. A flow path is defined along a lumen of the introducer sheath, through the connecting tube, into the microcatheter, and out of a distal opening of the microcatheter. The balloon is disposed adjacent the exit point of the flow path to reduce reflux. Embolic material can be introduced into the microcatheter at the valve to exit at the same location as the blood flow.

Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma in an eye utilizing an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer surface of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera and cornea to the anterior chamber of the eye. The drainage tube collapses upon initial insertion within an incision in the sclera and cornea, or at a kink on the outside of the incision, but has sufficient resiliency to restore its patency over time. The effect is a flow restrictor that regulates outflow from the eye until a scar tissue bleb forms around the plate of the shunt.

Abstract: An implantable device for the treatment of hydrocephalus syndrome, characterized by a mechanical passive valve device designed to move the cerebrospinal fluid in the cranial site of the patient, comprising a cylindrical body, a piston, and a special spring exhibiting a non-linear characteristic and suitable for applying a force on the piston such that, when the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid acting on the two opposite faces of the piston exceeds a certain value, a rapid displacement of the piston in the cylindrical body takes place due to the non-linear characteristic of the spring, with consequent aspiration, by the same piston, of a greater quantity of cerebrospinal fluid contained in the ventricle and, when the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid falls below a certain value, the piston reacts and moves rapidly in a direction opposite to the first, so as to feed into the ventricle the cerebrospinal liquid previously aspirated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve shunting fluid, e.g., shunting cerebrospinal fluid in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Self-cleaning catheters are provided which include split tips configured such that pulsatile flow of fluid in a cavity in which the catheter is inserted can cause the tips to strike one another and thereby clear obstructions. Catheters with built-in flow indicators are also provided. Exemplary flow indicators include projections that extend radially inward from the interior surface of the catheter and which include imageable portions (e.g., portions which are visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Movement of the flow indicators caused by fluid flowing through the catheter can be detected using MRI, thereby providing a reliable indication as to whether the catheter is partially or completely blocked.

Abstract: Blood pump assemblies and methods of manufacturing and operating blood pump assemblies are provided. The blood pump assembly includes a pump and an impeller blade rotatably coupled to the pump. The blood pump assembly also includes a pump housing component sized for passage through a body lumen and coupled to the pump. The pump housing component includes a peripheral wall extending about a rotation axis of the impeller blade. The peripheral wall includes an inner peripheral wall surface and an outer peripheral wall surface. The peripheral wall also includes one or more blood exhaust apertures. Each blood exhaust aperture in the one or more blood exhaust apertures is defined by an inner aperture edge and an outer aperture edge. Each inner aperture edge is chamfered between the inner peripheral wall surface and the outer peripheral wall surface.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal.

Abstract: Systems and methods to regulate flow of bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including a fluid chamber, an inlet port to receive the bodily fluid into the fluid chamber, an outlet port to remove the bodily fluid from the chamber, and a pressure element to regulate the amount of fluid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port based on a pressure of the bodily fluid against an absolute pressure reference.

Abstract: A gravitational pressure regulating valve to regulate fluid flow of a patient, including a fluid chamber having an inlet port to receive a bodily fluid and an outlet port to discharge the received bodily fluid, and an opposing force member in the fluid chamber to oppose a first force of the fluid flow at the inlet port with a second force that varies according to changes in gravitational alignment.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a proximal head, a shaft, and a distal body, and an axial bore. The head is defined by a flexible circular flange with a convex upper portion and a concave lower portion. The body defines a frustoconically tapered distal tip and a two wings that extend in an arc and taper in thickness. The wings can extend further radially than the flange of the head. A recessed groove is defined around the shaft extending between the wings and a wall structure connecting the winged portions of the body. The above structure permits one plug or fewer plugs to accommodate a broad patient population.

Abstract: Implantable physiological shunt systems and related fluid flow control devices and accessories for use therewith. Devices, systems and methods relating to implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets with increased resistance to inadvertent setting changes. Devices, systems and methods relating implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets which provide improved magnetic coupling to fluid flow control device accessories such as adjustment tools.

Abstract: A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.

Abstract: A fluid flow-regulating system includes an electrolysis chamber configured to contain a liquid, and includes first and second electrodes disposed within the electrolysis chamber. A gap between opposing surfaces is sized to promote capillary action of a liquid in the electrolysis chamber that draws the liquid to at least one of the first and second electrodes in a manner allowing the flow-regulating system to be placed in multiple orientations and still have said one of the first and second electrodes wetted by capillary action.

Abstract: Drainage of aqueous from the anterior chamber of the eye can be facilitated by a malleable hollow clip or staple that can be formed to attach to ophthalmic tissue and provide intra-luminal flow of aqueous through the clip. In addition, the clip can be adjusted to modulate the outflow rate of aqueous, both during the initial surgical procedure as well as on a post-procedure basis. Furthermore, an instrument is described in which the forceps of the clip delivery device reside inside the lumen of hollow clip during deployment and manipulation. Features of an instrument are designed to secure the clip to the delivery forceps and prevent tissue blockage of the clip lumens. The clips may be color-matched to the underlying tissue for the purpose of camouflage and may carry pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A tool includes a locator having a center aligned with a rotor axis when disposed over the valve. The locator has a first dimension approximately perpendicular with the rotor axis. A wall of the locator forms a volume to allow an adjustor to be disposed therein. The adjustor fits within the wall and has a magnet having a magnetic axis to unlock the rotor. An adjustable outer wall has a first position dimension permitting the adjustor to rotate about the center of the locator and aligning the magnetic axis with the center. The adjustable outer wall has a second position dimension less than the first dimension and the first position dimension. The adjustor can move lateral, rotational, and orbital in the locator misaligning the magnetic axis with the center. Misaligning the magnetic and rotor axes unlocks the rotors and the magnet maintains the unlocked state even when the axes are misaligned.

Abstract: A MEMS check valve chip is described. The chip comprises a first side and an opposing second side, an outlet port extending from the first side to the second side, and a flexible outlet membrane anchored to the first side to overlie the outlet port. The flexible outlet membrane includes an outlet aperture and a sealing portion, and the sealing portion is movable between a closed position inhibiting fluid flow through the outlet aperture and an open position wherein the sealing portion displaces into the outlet port to permit fluid flow through the outlet aperture.

Abstract: A shunt system includes a first catheter and a second catheter, each having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one opening adjacent to its distal end. A proximal end of a drainage catheter is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the first catheter and the proximal end of the second catheter. A first one-way valve is disposed in fluid communication with the first catheter between its proximal end and its at least one opening. The first one-way valve effectively blocks fluid flow from the proximal end to the at least one opening. A second one-way valve is disposed in fluid communication with the second catheter between its proximal end and its at least one opening. The second one-way valve effectively blocks fluid flow from the proximal end to the at least one opening.