Abstract: Devices and methods for removing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient at relatively constant flow rates for patients having normal intracranial pressures, e.g. patients not suffering from hydrocephalus. The devices and methods provide drainage paths which permit the removal of CSF at relatively low flow rates, usually below, 0.2 ml/min, at normal intracranial pressures, e.g. an intracranial pressure between ?170 mm of H2O in upright patients and 200 mm of H2O in reclining patients. The removal of CSF at relatively low, constant rates is particularly suitable for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to the presence of toxic and/or pathogenic substances in the CSF.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient for adult-onset dementia of the Alzheimer's type by removing a portion of the patient's cerebrospinal fluid, preferably (although not necessarily) by transporting the fluid to another portion of the patient's body. The invention also provides an apparatus for removing cerebrospinal fluid including (1) a conduit with a first opening and a second opening, the first opening of the conduit being adapted to be disposed in fluid communication with a space within a patient's subarachnoid space, the second opening being adapted to be disposed in fluid communication with another portion of the patient's body; and (2) a flow rate control device attached to the conduit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient at relatively constant flow rates for patients having normal intracranial pressures, e.g. patients not suffering from hydrocephalus. The devices and methods provide drainage paths which permit the removal of CSF at relatively low flow rates, usually below 0.2 ml/min, at normal intracranial pressures, e.g. an intracranial pressure between −170 mm of H2O in upright patients and 200 mm of H2O in reclining patients. The removal of CSF at relatively low, constant rates is particularly suitable for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to the presence of toxic and/or pathogenic substances in the CSF.

Abstract: Methods and systems for lowering elevated intracranial pressure utilizing a fluid drainage controller which regulates the drainage of cerebral spinal fluid based on a cardiac or other transient component of the patient's intracranial pressure. The cardiac component of the intracranial pressure increases as the accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the patient's subarachnoid space increases, but is not directly a function of the absolute mean or baseline intracranial pressure. Thus, control based on the cardiac component is relatively independent of patient position and the risk of over or under draining the cerebral spinal fluid is lessened.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient at relatively constant flow rates for patients having normal intracranial pressures, e.g. patients not suffering from hydrocephalus. The devices and methods provide drainage paths which permit the removal of CSF at relatively low flow rates, usually below 0.2 ml/min, at normal intracranial pressures, e.g. an intracranial pressure between −170 mm of H2O in upright patients and 200 mm of H2O in reclining patients. The removal of CSF at relatively low, constant rates is particularly suitable for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to the presence of toxic and/or pathogenic substances in the CSF.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient at relatively constant flow rates for patients having normal intracranial pressures, e.g. patients not suffering from hydrocephalus. The devices and methods provide drainage paths which permit the removal of CSF at relatively low flow rates, usually below 0.2 ml/min, at normal intracranial pressures, e.g. an intracranial pressure between −170 mm of H2O in upright patients and 200 mm of H2O in reclining patients. The removal of CSF at relatively low, constant rates is particularly suitable for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to the presence of toxic and/or pathogenic substances in the CSF.