Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: This invention concerns a neurosurgical kit comprising a catheter (1) and a guide tube (2). The catheter (1) comprises a distal section of tubing (11) having a distal end with a port or ports for delivering fluid to a target site within the brain. The distal section of tubing (11) has an outer diameter that is smaller than an internal diameter of the guide tube (2). The catheter (1) and guide tube (2) are arranged such that, when the catheter (1) is inserted into the guide tube (2) to locate the port or ports at the target site, a recess (14) is provided in a distal end section of the guide tube (2) between the guide tube (2) and the distal section of tubing (11) of the catheter (1).

Abstract: A neurosurgical kit includes a catheter and a guide tub. The catheter includes a distal section of tubing having a distal end with a port or ports for delivering fluid to a target site within the brain. The distal section of tubing has an outer diameter that is smaller than an internal diameter of the guide tube. The catheter and guide tube are arranged such that, when the catheter is inserted into the guide tube to locate the port or ports at the target site, a recess is provided in a distal end section of the guide tube between the guide tube and the distal section of tubing of the catheter.

Abstract: Percutaneous access apparatus is described that comprises a percutaneous fluid access device having an extracorporeal portion, one or more ports accessible from the extracorporeal portion and a septum for sealing each port. A connector device comprising one or more hollow needles is attachable to the percutaneous fluid access device. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the connector device to the extracorporeal portion and an actuation mechanism that, after the connector device has been attached to the extracorporeal portion, can be used to drive the one or more hollow needles through the septum to establish fluid communication between the one or more hollow needles and the one or more ports. The apparatus may be used for neurosurgery applications.

Abstract: Percutaneous access apparatus is described that includes a percutaneous fluid access device having an extracorporeal portion, one or more ports accessible from the extracorporeal portion and a septum for sealing each port. A connector device having one or more hollow needles is attachable to the percutaneous fluid access device. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the connector device to the extracorporeal portion and an actuation mechanism that, after the connector device has been attached to the extracorporeal portion, can be used to drive the one or more hollow needles through the septum to establish fluid communication between the one or more hollow needles and the one or more ports. The apparatus may be used for neurosurgery applications.

Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: A neurosurgical kit includes a catheter and a guide tub. The catheter includes a distal section of tubing having a distal end with a port or ports for delivering fluid to a target site within the brain. The distal section of tubing has an outer diameter that is smaller than an internal diameter of the guide tube. The catheter and guide tube are arranged such that, when the catheter is inserted into the guide tube to locate the port or ports at the target site, a recess is provided in a distal end section of the guide tube between the guide tube and the distal section of tubing of the catheter.

Abstract: Fluid storage apparatus for medical use is described that includes a length of tubing having a first end and a second end. A first sealable connector portion is provided at the first end and a second sealable connector portion is provided at the second end. The volume of fluid that can be stored within the apparatus is known and an infusate or therapeutic agent is contained within the apparatus. In this manner, a known volume of therapeutic agent can be infused to a patient. The use in neurosurgical applications is described.

Abstract: Percutaneous access apparatus is described that includes a percutaneous fluid access device having an extracorporeal portion, one or more ports accessible from the extracorporeal portion and a septum for sealing each port. A connector device having one or more hollow needles is attachable to the percutaneous fluid access device. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the connector device to the extracorporeal portion and an actuation mechanism that, after the connector device has been attached to the extracorporeal portion, can be used to drive the one or more hollow needles through the septum to establish fluid communication between the one or more hollow needles and the one or more ports. The apparatus may be used for neurosurgery applications.