Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling an orifice in a human cranium at an angle of substantially 90.degree. to a plane defined by a tangent to the surface of the cranium at the orifice. The apparatus comprises a ring structure adapted to guide and support a drill, the ring structure comprising a retaining member configured for engagement with a flexible member such as a spring and a sleeve member configured for insertion within the retaining member and operatively associated therewith to form a support assembly. The support assembly is capable of a restricted degree of vertical, slideable movement within a tubular member. The apparatus further comprises a tubular member, adjacent and external to the ring structure, adapted to guide and support the support assembly; a flexible member adjacent the support assembly for restricting vertical movement thereby within the tube; and support structure, the support structure being adapted to rest unsecured upon the cranium.

Abstract: A catheter for placement into the ventricular system of the brain or any other member or cavity of the body of a subject comprising a flexible elongated body having a non-circular bore, a wall thickness sufficient to contain and transport fluid therein, a forward end and tip for insertion into the ventricular system of the brain of a subject, and a plurality of spaced apertures located in the forward end of the body spaced from the tip. The apertures are configured and positioned to minimize abrasion of brain tissue upon insertion of the catheter and to prevent tissue from growing into the catheter apertures, thereby providing improved flow of fluid into or from said ventricular system. The non-circular bore, preferably triangular, provides increased structural integrity and increased effective flow through the catheter compared to those having a circular bore. Also methods of using such catheters are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the insertion of an instrument such as a surgical or observational tool into a patient's cranial cavity through a previously formed aperture in the cranium. The device comprises a guide with an open elongated tubular member having a first and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the tubular member at the first and thereof is configured and adapted for passage through the aperture. An outer surface portion of the open tubular member is configured for engagement with a separate locking apparatus for securing the device to the cranial surface. The device further comprises a flanged tip on the first end of the tubular member for stabilizing it within the aperture. An alignment stand configured for the passage therethrough of at least a portion of the device is seated upon the cranium directly above the aperture. The guide is inserted therethrough and into the cranial cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling an orifice in a human cranium at an angle of substantially 90.degree. to a plane defined by a tangent to the surface of the cranium at the orifice. The apparatus comprises a first tubular guide for directing a drill at the proper angle, the first guide being suppored upon the cranium by a plurality of leg members. The invention further comprises a hand-operated twist drill device, configured for insertion into the tubular guide. A second guide, of reduced diameter relative to the first tubular guide is insertable into the first guide upon completion of the burr hole to facilitate entry of a catheter into the ventricular portion of the patient's brain. The method of the invention comprises positioning the first drill guide upon the patient's cranium, inserting the twist drill therein so as to prepare a burr hole extending at an angle of substantially 90.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling an orifice in a human cranium at an angle of substantially 90.degree. to a plane defined by a tangent to the surface of the cranium at the orifice. The apparatus comprises a first tubular guide for directing a drill at the proper angle, the first guide being supported upon the cranium by a plurality of leg members. The invention further comprises a hand-operated twist drill device, configured for insertion into the tubular guide. A second guide, of reduced diameter relative to the first tubular guide is insertable into the first guide upon completion of the burr hole to facilitate entry of a catheter into the ventricular portion of the patient's brain. The method of the invention comprises positioning the first drill guide upon the patient's cranium, inserting the twist drill therein so as to prepare a burr hole extending at an angle of substantially 90.degree.

Abstract: A catheter for placement into the ventricular system of the brain of a subject comprising a flexible elongated body having a wall thickness sufficient to contain and transport fluid therein and having a forward end and tip for insertion into the ventricular system of the brain of a subject; and a plurality of spaced apertures located in the forward end of the body spaced from the tip, each of the apertures extending through the wall thickness at an angle such that a portion of the wall thickness is visible when viewing the aperture perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, thereby to minimize abrasion of brain tissue upon insertion of the catheter and to prevent choroid plexus and ependymal tissue from growing into the catheter apertures, thereby providing improved flow of fluid into or from said ventricular system. Also, methods of using and apparatus for making such catheters are disclosed herein.