Abstract: The invention concerns a valve which can be implanted in the body of a patient for the treatment of hydrocephalus, comprising:

Abstract: A catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, a balloon defining an opening sealingly connected to the distal end of the catheter, a connector connecting the proximal end of the catheter to an injector for injecting a balloon-inflation fluid with the catheter, an electrode fixed to the balloon, generally opposite to its opening for connection with the catheter, and an electrically conductive wire having a distal end and a proximal end, passing through the catheter and electrically connected at its distal end to the electrode and at its proximal end to an electrical generator, the wire passing through the balloon and having its distal end fixed to the electrode, a lock being provided for locking the sliding of the wire inside the catheter.

Abstract: An external device for the drainage of biological fluid, particularly cephalorrhachidian fluid, utilizes a catheter (1, 2), one end of which is disposed in the area to be drained and the other end of which is connected to a drainage bag (3). This device includes a pressure measuring device (4) for measuring the pressure in the area to be drained and external flow control valve (5) on the catheter. An electronically controlled power supply (10) is provided for actuating the valve when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for draining biological fluids. A first device comprises a housing (2) and a pinch valve (3) mounted in the housing, away from the walls of the latter. The housing includes an opening (11) arranged opposite the pinching means (6) of the valve. Another device (13) comprises a catheter section (7) of a drainage line and a member (12) for supporting the catheter, the catheter section passing into and emerging from the support member (12) at two points and forming a loop between these two points.

Abstract: A catheter for neurosurgery including a tubular body (1), on whose end is mounted a dilating balloon (5), the body being equipped for connection to a device inflating the balloon. The body internally includes an electrical feed wire (11) for an electrocautery tip disposed on the far side of the balloon.

Abstract: A valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus of the type including a membrane provided with an aperture and demarcating within a housing an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. A rod of variable cross section attached to a stopper penetrates into the aperture. According to the invention, the housing includes three parts, a first body, a second body and a base cap. The first body and second body are assembled so as to squeeze the periphery of the membrane. The first body, the stopper and a first face of the membrane form one of the chambers, and the second body, the base cap and the other face of the membrane form the other chamber.

Abstract: An implantable valve for the treatment of hydrocephaly is disclosed. The valve includes at least one chamber including a fluid flow orifice capable of being connected to an area within the patient to be drained. The flow orifice is located within a flexible diaphragm which is capable of deforming in response to pressure variations across the valve to compensate for normal variations in pressure and thereby avoid hyperdrainage. The flow orifice is surrounded by a valve seat to receive a spherical member for closing off the flow of fluid therethrough when the pressure differential across the valve is below a predetermined opening pressure. An outflow orifice is configured for connection to a drainage area within the body of the patient and is in fluid communication with the flow orifice to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid when necessary.

Abstract: An implantable drainage valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus is described. The valve includes a body, a valve seat, a closure member, a spring and at least one spherical weight. The spring is positioned within the cylindrical chamber of the valve body and between the closure member and the spherical weight. The valve is intended to be vertically oriented when the patient is sitting or standing and, when so oriented, the weight will provide additional compressive force against the spring to help maintain the valve in a closed condition. Consequently, hyperdrainage is avoided when the valve experiences normal variations in fluid pressure differentials such as when the patient rises from a lying or recumbent position to a standing position.