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: Normal pressure hydrocephalus is treated by removing cerebralspinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient. In particular, CSF is drained while pressure within the CSF space remains within an expected normal range for the patient.

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/day, 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: 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: Apparatus and methods for removing cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient at constant volumetric rates rely on the intermittent timed or controlled opening of on-off and other control valves. When using valves, the volume of fluid drained may be measured to time the opening and closing of the valves. Alternatively, the valves can be used to control into and/or out of an accumulator, where the accumulator is drained on a periodic timed basis to achieve constant drainage over a one day or other predetermined time period. Such controlled flow volumes may also be achieved using positive displacement pumps which are operated for predetermined time intervals during each one day or other predetermined time period.

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.