Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying epileptogenic regions of the brain and locating seizure foci can use only interictal EEG data. These methods and systems enable a physician to locate seizure foci without having to wait for a patient to experience a seizure and have it recorded. A network causality analysis can be applied to the interictal EEG data to determine the causal nodes, the nodes influenced by the causal nodes and the causal connection or link between the nodes. The most influential causal nodes can be ranked and used to generate a map of causal links in the brain networks to accelerate the identification of the epileptogenic regions of the brain and the location seizure focus.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of generating flow in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems by vibrating the shunt, tubing or shunt valve dome, or applying cyclical pressure to the various parts of the shunt system. A method of generating flow and method of using the apparatus in shunt patency assessment, for example, hydraulic resistance assessment, is also disclosed. The apparatus allows, in conjunction with a thermal dilution method or radionuclide method, a quick CSF shunt patency assessment based upon CSF shunt resistance and not upon CSF flow or intracranial pressure (ICP) separately. This provides a more objective measure of shunt obstruction compared to other methods. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used to enhance flow in shunts, identify partial occlusion before symptoms occur, differentiate between patent, partially-occluded and occluded shunts. The apparatus can be used to generate flow in shunts if there is a need to lower ICP or move drugs administered via an injection chamber or a shunt dome.

Abstract: Microfluidic shunt valves are disclosed having a deflectable element capable of being held in a closed position to occlude the passage of fluid between an inlet and outlet and, when not held in the closed position, the deflectable element is adapted to oscillate in response to fluid pressure pulses and thereby facilitate fluid passage through the valve. Controls for activating the deflectable element to permit fluid passage are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring a human head. The apparatus disclosed herein involve the use of linear rulers, or rotating contacting members, coupled to a support member. The apparatus disclosed herein can be positioned on a human head, using the methods disclosed herein, to determine the outer contour of the head. Such a measurement can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various abnormalities of the human head, including plagiocephaly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar coagulator which can be passed through the internal lumen of a ventricular catheter previously implanted into a cranial ventricle of a living subject and engaged in-situ. The bipolar coagulator will provide bipolar electrical arc currents for coagulation cauterization of adherent brain tissues, such as the choroid plexus, which occludes fluid flow into the intake drainage holes in the implanted ventricular catheter and often becomes adherent to the catheter in-situ. The cautery current provided by the bipolar coagulator is direction oriented and spatially controlled; thereby providing a better distribution of electrical current and heat within the surrounding cranial tissues; and thereby avoiding major complications of damage to intracranial structures such as blood vessels as well as avoiding the severe subarachnoid hemorrhages which are typical using other kinds of coagulation instruments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for non-invasive measurement of blood velocity in otherwise inaccessible body regions, and for correlating such measurements with externally applied pressure to detect and/or assess diseases or physiological abnormalities. The blood velocity measurements can be based on the Doppler shift that occurs when an ultrasonic wave is scattered by moving particles within the blood. Since blood vessels have elastic walls, the geometry of the walls, and therefore the flow dynamics, will change in response to elevated in vivo pressure. The change in resistance to blood flow resulting from these pressure induced changes to the blood vessel wall geometry can provide a measure of intracranial pressure, ophthalmic pressure or various other body conditions that affect blood perfusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar coagulator which can be passed through the internal lumen of a ventricular catheter previously implanted into a cranial ventricle of a living subject and engaged in-situ. The bipolar coagulator will provide bipolar electrical arc currents for coagulation cauterization of adherent brain tissues, such as the choroid plexus, which occludes fluid flow into the intake drainage holes in the implanted ventricular catheter and often becomes adherent to the catheter in-situ. The cautery current provided by the bipolar coagulator is direction oriented and spatially controlled; thereby providing a better distribution of electrical current and heat within the surrounding cranial tissues; and thereby avoiding major complications of damage to intracranial structures such as blood vessels as well as avoiding the severe subarachnoid hemorrhages which are typical using other kinds of coagulation instruments.

Abstract: Variable anti-siphon devices are disclosed for use in cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems. Such devices can include a housing with an internal chamber, an adjustable barrier separating the chamber into two cavities, and a diaphragm that seats itself against the adjustable barrier with a seating force that is proportional to the pressure differential across it. The adjustable barrier advantageously allows the level of anti-siphon protection to be modified. In one embodiment, the height of the adjustable barrier may be varied. In another embodiment, the barrier is moved longitudinally within the internal chamber to vary the volume of each chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for non-invasive measurement of blood velocity in otherwise inaccessible body regions, and for correlating such measurements with externally applied pressure to detect and/or assess diseases or physiological abnormalities. The blood velocity measurements can be based on the Doppler shift that occurs when an ultrasonic wave is scattered by moving particles within the blood. Since blood vessels have elastic walls, the geometry of the walls, and therefore the flow dynamics, will change in response to elevated in vivo pressure. The change in resistance to blood flow resulting from these pressure induced changes to the blood vessel wall geometry can provide a measure of intracranial pressure, ophthalmic pressure or various other body conditions that affect blood perfusion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for non-invasive measurement of blood velocity in otherwise inaccessible body regions, and for correlating such measurements with externally applied pressure to detect and/or assess diseases or physiological abnormalities. The blood velocity measurements can be based on the Doppler shift that occurs when an ultrasonic wave is scattered by moving particles within the blood. Since blood vessels have elastic walls, the geometry of the walls, and therefore the flow dynamics, will change in response to elevated in vivo pressure. The change in resistance to blood flow resulting from these pressure induced changes to the blood vessel wall geometry can provide a measure of intracranial pressure, ophthalmic pressure or various other body conditions that affect blood perfusion.

Abstract: Electrodes arrays for monitoring in vivo electrical activity are disclosed. The arrays include a plurality of electrode contact pads in a predetermined spatial orientation held together by a structural matrix material that is preferably bioresorbable. The electrode pads are connected via lead wires to monitoring, analysis, and recording apparatus. The electrode arrays can be individually prepared, and configured (e.g., by irregular spacing between the electrode contact pads) to conform to the region undergoing analysis. Because the matrix material is substantially resorbed in the course of the protocol, the individual electrode cables will no long be attached to each other (or in the case of branching electrodes, the branches will no longer be fixed in position). In either instance, the electrode cables (or trunk and branches) can be removed without a second major operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for non-invasive measurement of blood velocity in otherwise inaccessible body regions, and for correlating such measurements with externally applied pressure to detect and/or assess diseases or physiological abnormalities. The blood velocity measurements can be based on the Doppler shift that occurs when an ultrasonic wave is scattered by moving particles within the blood. Since blood vessels have elastic walls, the geometry of the walls, and therefore the flow dynamics, will change in response to elevated in vivo pressure. The change in resistance to blood flow resulting from these pressure induced changes to the blood vessel wall geometry can provide a measure of intracranial pressure, ophthalmic pressure or various other body conditions that affect blood perfusion.