Abstract: A surgical implant and method of surgically inserting the implant into the skull of a patient to gain access to cerebrospinal fluid within the lateral ventricles. The implant includes an annular housing defining thereon a flared base and a tubular member which projects outwardly from the housing. The implant is embedded in the skull such that the tubular member projects into a predefined opening in the skull and the base is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the skull. The implant is secured to the skull with adhesive which is applied to the base member. The implant defines an opening which extends therethrough, and serves a guide channel for directing a surgical instrument into the lateral ventricle.

Abstract: A surgical implant and method of gaining access to cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The implant includes a housing defined by an upper housing part which is positioned subcutaneously on the skull and a lower housing part which projects through an opening defined in the skull. The housing defines therein a reservoir which communicates with cerebrospinal fluid located under the skull. The cerebrospinal fluid is accessed for sampling or dosing purposes through a septum mounted on the housing.

Abstract: A surgical implant and method of gaining access to cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The implant includes an upper housing part which is positioned subcutaneously on the skull and a lower cage-like member which depends downwardly from the housing part. The housing part defines a chamber or reservoir therein which communicates with openings defined in the lower member. The implant is embedded between portions of the brain so that the lower member projects between the cerebellum and the cerebrum and holds same apart in order to access cerebrospinal fluid which pools in this area. The cerebrospinal fluid is accessed for sampling or dosing purposes through a septum provided within the upper housing part.

Abstract: A catheter introducer and a method of introducing a catheter into a heart. The catheter introducer includes a front puncturing end and a main body portion which defines an upwardly-opening trough therein. A catheter is placed in piggy-back fashion within the trough, and the puncturing end of the tool is inserted into the heart, so that the catheter is delivered into the heart essentially simultaneously with the piercing of the heart wall. The catheter introducer results in a faster introduction of the catheter, and minimizes blood loss and trauma to the heart.