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 for making a hollow elongated member having a plurality of apertures therein comprising: a first component for supporting a hollow elongated member in a predetermined position and orientation for formation of a plurality of apertures therein; and a second component for forming a plurality of apertures at a predetermined position and orientation and of a predetermmined dimension thereof in the hollow elongated member; the second component being guidably received within the first component for alignment therewith. Alternatively, the apparatus includes an insert comprising rod means for forming a plurality of apertures of a predetermined size; and means for forming and supporting the hollow bore of the elongated member. The rod means is positioned at a predetermined orientation with respect to the bore forming means so that the hollow elongated member receives a plurality of apertures therein at a predetermined position, orientation and dimension.

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: A device is disclosed comprising a stretchable cylindrical net-like structure and at least one guide ring for partial placement over a fetus. The cylindrical net-like structure is formed such that as force is applied along its longitudinal axis, the length of the cylindrical structure is increased while the diameter of such cylindrical structure is decreased. The guide ring is expandable for passage therethrough of the fetal head and has an at rest diameter between that of the fetal neck and the fetal head.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for accurate insertion of a ventricular catheter through the cranial surface into the ventricular system of the human brain. The method includes providing an orifice through the human cranial surface, cutting and coagulating the dural membranes separating the cerebral substances from the interior cranial surface, and inserting a flexible catheter rendered rigid by incorporation of an obdurator in its lumen, or central cavity, through the cranial orifice and the cerebral substances into a ventricle of the brain. The catheter defines its path of entry into the ventricular system through a guide assembly mounted on the exterior of the cranial surface. The guide assembly is disposed to enable the catheter and incorporated obdurator to enter the cranial orifice and cerebral substances and hence the ventricular system at an angle of 90.degree. in relation to an imaginary plane formed by a tangent to the cranial suface at the point of entry through the orifice.