Abstract: A shunt includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a flow control mechanism disposed within the housing. A ventricular catheter is connected to the inlet of the housing. The catheter has a longitudinal length, a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The inner lumen of the catheter includes at least two lumens at the distal end and has only one lumen at the proximal end. The catheter has one slit and aperture corresponding to each of the at least two lumens located at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A thermal flow sensor has a first, second and third substrate, each having a first side and a second opposite side. The first substrate is connected to the second substrate such that the second side of the first substrate abuts the first side of the second substrate. The third substrate is connected to the second substrate such that the second side of the second substrate abuts the first side of the third substrate. The first, second and third substrate form a multi-layer body structure having at least one edge extending between a first side of the first substrate and the second side of the third substrate. The second substrate has a groove formed therein so as to form a conduit bounded by the second substrate and the second side of the first substrate and the first side of the third substrate. The conduit has an inlet opening and an outlet opening that are formed in the at least one edge.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for shunting fluid to treat hydrocephalous, and in particular for treating normal pressure hydrocephalous, or Alzheimer's, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), or any other condition in which it is necessary to drain and/or cleanse CSF. The methods and devices utilize a shunt having an inlet port, and outlet port, and a flow control component for controlling fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The shunt can be implanted at a location along or within a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, an inlet port of a shunt can be implanted within the subarachnoid space, and an outlet port of a shunt can be implanted at a drainage site. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cerebrospinal fluid is drained into the epidural space.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for shunting fluid to treat hydrocephalous, and in particular for treating normal pressure hydrocephalous, or Alzheimer's, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), or any other condition in which it is necessary to drain and/or cleanse CSF. The methods and devices utilize a shunt having an inlet port, and outlet port, and a flow control component for controlling fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The shunt can be implanted at a location along or within a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, an inlet port of a shunt can be implanted within the subarachnoid space, and an outlet port of a shunt can be implanted at a drainage site. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cerebrospinal fluid is drained into the epidural space.

Abstract: A ventricular catheter of the type having a slit in the distal end to permit the passage of a stylet or endoscope is disclosed. The catheter is packaged with a film tab inserted into the slit to prevent the edges of the slit from knitting or adhering to each other upon sterilization or storage.

Abstract: An instrument for applying fasteners such as bioabsorbable skull rivets, having a piston coaxially received within a housing. The piston has a tip at its distal end and the housing has a distal end sized to receive the tip and also to receive a portion of on of the fasteners. A slit in the housing allows it to flex and accommodate the fastener.

Abstract: A self-centering bone drill comprises a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting surface at the distal end, and a first radially extending flange. A tubular housing coaxially receives the drill bit and a spring is coaxially received within the housing, and coaxially receives the drill bit. The spring is compressed between the first radially extending flange and an interior abutment surface on the housing distal of the first radially extending flange to urge the housing distally along the drill bit. A chamfered surface on a distal end of the housing engages a chamfered surface on a work piece to center the drill bit.