Abstract: A method and toolset capable of remotely moving a rotor of an implanted device in a first arcuate direction and detecting a first limit of travel, moving the rotor in a second, opposite direction and detecting a second limit of travel without altering the current performance setting of the implanted device, comparing the first and second limits of travel with known values for a plurality of selectable performance settings, and indicating the current performance setting of the implanted device.

Abstract: Fluid containers having a volume marking(s) and conductive element(s) disposed at the volume marking(s) and a common conductive element are provided. For example, the fluid container has a wall forming the volume. The conductive element(s) and the common conductive element have a portion disposed within the volume and a portion external to the volume. The container further has a RFID tag, where the conductive element(s) and the common conductive element are connected thereto via respective conductive wires. A fluid detection system having the fluid containers is also provided. The system comprises one or more containers and a patient site monitor having a RF reader that interrogates the RFID tag at a preset interval. Responsive to the signal, the tag supplies a predetermined current to the conductive element and the common conductive element and detects a voltage and generates an alert based on the same.

Abstract: A locator as part of a toolkit for locating an implanted valve. The locator is used in concert with an indicator that nests therein. The locator has a lower ring with a contact surface, contacting a patient, a key positioning the nested indicator to prevent rotation, and a lower ring joint opposite the contact surface. Also included is an upper ring with an upper ring joint rotatingly interfacing with the lower ring joint, a flow direction identifier, and a flow setting identifier. Further, the upper and the lower rings rotate relative to each other, and the lower ring is floor-less.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implantable device has one or more adjustable settings with a setting device configured to selectively change between the one or more adjustable settings. An indicator, having an ultrasound reflection enhancement, indicates each particular setting of the one or more adjustable settings.

Abstract: A catheter curvature brace, catheter assembly and method for managing fluid in a patient, the brace being attachable to a distal portion of a shaft of a catheter and having an elongated frame with a distal end and a proximal end. The frame is formed with at least one curve in a relaxed curved configuration. At least two coupling elements are connected to the frame, each coupling element configured to engage an outer surface of the catheter. At least the frame is formed of an elastic, biocompatible material capable of being straightened by a force and then returning to the relaxed curved configuration after the force is removed, thereby bending the catheter to substantially conform to the relaxed curved configuration.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus has a pressure sensor component that includes a pressure sensing port, a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a fluid in the pressure sensing port, and a digital processor communicating with the pressure sensor for performing calculations involving fluid pressures sensed. The pressure sensing apparatus further includes a first chamber in fluid contact with the pressure sensing port, a second chamber fluidically connectable with a patient's cerebrospinal fluid system, and a membrane located between the first and second chambers so as to transmit fluid pressure from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.

Abstract: A catheter system with integral sensing and clearing of occlusions is described. The system can include a catheter in fluid communication with a shunt for transporting a bodily fluid within, or out of, a patient's body. The catheter and/or the shunt can include one or more detection wires and one or more transmission wires. The detection wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the detection of changes in electrical properties of the fluid indicating an occlusion, or other anomaly, in the catheter. The transmission wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the application of electromagnetic energy to the occlusion to facilitate its removal. The detection wires and the transmission wires can be the same or different wires. The system can include a probe that can be externally connected to the wires to provide detection and or transmission signals.

Abstract: A catheter curvature brace, catheter assembly and method for managing fluid in a patient, the brace being attachable to a distal portion of a shaft of a catheter and having an elongated frame with a distal end and a proximal end. The frame is formed with at least one curve in a relaxed curved configuration. At least two coupling elements are connected to the frame, each coupling element configured to engage an outer surface of the catheter. At least the frame is formed of an elastic, biocompatible material capable of being straightened by a force and then returning to the relaxed curved configuration after the force is removed, thereby bending the catheter to substantially conform to the relaxed curved configuration.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that allow a physician to consistently and reliably locate an implantable, magnetically settable valve (valve) and to determine and/or change (adjust) a setting of the valve from a current setting to a target setting without interference from the valve and/or patient's skin. In particular, various locator tools are provided that include a housing having a deck extending thereacross that is formed at least in part of a material which is moveable to accommodate a protrusion of a hydrocephalus valve beneath skin.

Abstract: A catheter and method for managing fluid in a patient, the catheter having an elongated shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines at least one lumen extending substantially therethrough, the shaft further defining a plurality of drainage holes along a distal portion of the shaft, with the drainage holes in fluid communication with the lumen. The catheter further has a substantially transparent tip portion attached to the distal end of the shaft with an outer distal leading surface that is substantially rounded to assist insertion through tissue.