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 radiolucent 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: An anti-siphon shunt device is provided that is insensitive to body postural changes. The shunt device has a housing having a chamber, an inlet port, and an outlet port. A valve mechanism disposed within the housing manages fluid movement into and out of the chamber over a pressure gradient. The valve mechanism includes a blocking element configured to seat against an opening in a barrier mounted within the chamber for preventing fluid flow therethrough. A pressure sensor having a conformable membrane detects the external pressure surrounding the chamber and communicates with a biasing element to exert a biasing force against a first surface of the blocking element, while a second surface of the blocking element is acted upon by a countervailing pressure in a direction opposite the biasing force. The conformable membrane can be enclosed within a housing to protect the device from shutting off when a patient inadvertently lies on the valve mechanism.

Abstract: In accordance with a currently preferred exemplary embodiment, the present invention involves an electro-surgical bipolar forceps having a first member, a second member, and a tip assembly. The first member has a first insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The second member has a second insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. At least one of the first and second insert tube has an inner surface, a portion of which is covered with an electrically insulating material. The first tip assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tip assembly is selectively engageable with one of the first and second insert tubes. The first tip assembly includes an electrically conductive tip disposed at the distal end of the first tip assembly.

Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator.

Abstract: An implantable shunt device having a primary catheter and at least two secondary catheters extending from the primary catheter is provided. The primary catheter includes a connecting end, an open end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween. Each of the secondary catheters extend from the connecting end of the primary catheter and include a fluid passageway formed therein in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the primary catheter. Each secondary catheter also includes at least one fluid entry port in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid entry ports are disposed on an inwardly facing portion of each of the secondary catheters. The shunt device can be used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including for the removal or introduction of fluid to a treatment site.

Abstract: A percutaneous access device is provided including a sleeve having an inner lumen extending therethrough that is adapted to slidably receive a catheter, and at least one flange disposed around the sleeve and adapted to be positioned adjacent a tissue surface. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a first flange disposed around the sleeve and adapted to be positioned adjacent a first tissue surface, and a second flange disposed around the sleeve and spaced apart from the first flange such that the second flange is adapted to be disposed adjacent a second tissue surface opposed to the first tissue surface. In use, the flanges 16, 18 are positioned on opposed sides of tissue so that the device 10 is effective to prevent tissue surrounding the percutaneous access device from coming into contact with the catheter as it is introduced through the sleeve 12.

Abstract: An implantable shunt device having a primary catheter and at least two secondary catheters extending from the primary catheter is provided. The primary catheter includes a connecting end, an open end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween. Each of the secondary catheters extend from the connecting end of the primary catheter and include a fluid passageway formed therein in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the primary catheter. Each secondary catheter also includes at least one fluid entry port in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid entry ports are disposed on an inwardly facing portion of each of the secondary catheters. The shunt device can be used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including for the removal or introduction of fluid to a treatment site.

Abstract: A connector connects a silicone or other radially expandable catheter to a catheter that does not expand radially. The catheter includes a hollow first connection part, a hollow second connecting part and a locking sleeve. The hollow second connecting part is threadably connected to the first connection part. The second part has a rib protruding from an external surface thereof. The rib has a recessed notch. A locking sleeve has a lip projecting radially inwardly therefrom at each end. The lip at the second end is fixedly received within the recessed notch. The lip at the first end is disposed about the external surface of the connection part. The locking sleeve is axially movable with respect to the first connection part. Axial movement of the locking sleeve in one direction is limited, thereby preventing disassembly of the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

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 radiolucent 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: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision, which together define a line of sight, and a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator indicates the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator. The device optionally includes a reflector element adjacent to the horizontal level indicator within the field of vision, where the horizontal level indicator is visible through the viewing element via the reflector element.

Abstract: An implantable infusion apparatus has a medication reservoir for storing a medication and a carrier reservoir for storing a carrier. The entire apparatus, including both reservoirs, is typically located in a housing made of stainless steel, titanium, or any other strong corrosion resistant biocompatible material. The medication and carrier reservoirs are accessed through a medication access port and a carrier access port, respectively. The access ports are covered with a medication compound septum and a carrier compound septum, respectively. The carrier reservoir is larger, and thus holds a larger volume, than the medication reservoir. To reduce the size of the implantable infusion apparatus, the medication is highly concentrated to many times the dosage required. The concentrated medication is then diluted with the carrier, to the proper dose, before it is discharged to the patient.

Abstract: Forceps include a first and a second blade, both of which have an inner surface, an outer surface, a tip end, and a proximal end. The forceps also include a blade adjustment joint disposed adjacent to the proximal ends of the first and the second blades and both blades are rotateably connected to the blade adjustment joint. The blade adjustment joint selectively allows the first and second blades to rotate independently of each other or prevents both blades from rotating independently of each other. The blade adjustment joint permits the first blade to rotate or pivot in relation to the second blade and visa versa, so the tips of the forceps can be realigned simply and easily. Additionally, the blade adjustment joint in one condition prevents the first blade and second blade from rotating, locking the blades in position for use.

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 adjustable drainage system for regulating cerebrospinal fluid flow in a hydrocephalus patient where the drainage rate is adjusted in response to ventricular volume variations in the patient. The system includes an adjustable valve and a volume sensor that can be periodically energized with an external system controller device by the patient or attending physician to determine when, or if, a change in the ventricular volume has occurred. The system enables the user to adjust the valve's resistance in response to changes in the ventricular volume using the controller device so that a target ventricular volume can be achieved. Also provided is a method of continuously draining cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity of the patient using the system of the present invention.

Abstract: A valve that is adapted to control the flow rate of fluid flow from an implantable pump or other fluid delivery device is provided. In general, the valve includes a multi-lumen member that is adapted to receive fluid-flow therethrough, and a restrictor member that is coupled to the multi-lumen member such that the restrictor member is effective to selectively restrict at least a portion of one or more lumens in the multi-lumen member to thereby adjust the flow rate of fluid flowing through the multi-lumen member. The valve can be built into an implantable drug pump to control fluid flow exiting the pump, or alternatively the valve can disposed within a catheter or otherwise coupled to an outlet port in an implantable drug pump to control the flow rate of fluid exiting the drug pump.

Abstract: In accordance with a currently preferred exemplary embodiment, the present invention involves an electro-surgical bipolar forceps having a first member, a second member, and a tip assembly. The first member has a first insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The second member has a second insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. At least one of the first and second insert tube has an inner surface, a portion of which is covered with an electrically insulating material. The first tip assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tip assembly is selectively engageable with one of the first and second insert tubes. The first tip assembly includes an electrically conductive tip disposed at the distal end of the first tip assembly.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device is provided that includes a catheter having at least one wire running therethrough and coupled to a sensor disposed at a distal portion of the catheter. At least a portion of the wire is removably coupled to the catheter to allow a length of the catheter to be selectively adjusted, thereby providing a trimmable sensing catheter. The device can be used for a variety of medical procedures, but in an exemplary embodiment the device is a ventricular catheter that is used to drain CSF from a patient's ventricles.

Abstract: An intra-ventricular pressure sensor device is provided that includes a catheter having a first lumen for receiving fluid flow therethrough, and a second, separate, fluid-filled, fluid-impermeable lumen extending between a pressure-sensitive component that is adapted to be exposed to an external pressure source, and a pressure sensor that is effective to measure pressure of the external pressure source in response to displacement of the pressure-sensitive component. The intra-ventricular pressure sensor device is particularly advantageous in that it allows a direct measurement of a patient's ventricular pressure to be obtained.

Abstract: A threaded fastener holder holds a screw in place and then automatically disengages from the screw and withdraws axially in the proximal direction to permit the user to continue inserting the screw without interruption. The threaded fastener holder has a shaft having a distal end for selectively engaging with a head of a threaded fastener. An inner sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the shaft, and is axially movable with respect to the shaft. The inner sleeve has a plurality of spring fingers disposed at its distal end, each of which has a distal end that is radially movable so as to be selectively engageable with the head of the threaded fastener. A first end of a spring is fixed with respect to the inner sleeve. The second end of the spring is fixed with respect to the shaft. In the rest position, the distal end of the plurality of spring fingers is axially spaced from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable rivet and pin fastener is formed as an elongated unit that may be used for anchoring, or for attachment of a fixation plate. The rivet has a head mechanically connected to two or more legs that extend generally distally from the head and may flex outwardly from a central rivet axis. The pin is integral with the rivet and oriented along the central axis by a connection such as a web or a plurality of braces, forming an integral, aligned, one-piece assembly that may, for example, be molded as a single piece. The connection breaks under force as the pin is driven into the rivet, so that the pin contacts internal surfaces of the legs and pushes the legs outward into frictional engagement with the surrounding bone. The one-piece assembly may be formed in a gated mold having a central pin with a relief passage that defines the braces between upper and lower portions of the rivet.