Abstract: Dual valve detachable occlusion balloon for use in an artificial vessel embolization for using a delivery catheter adapted to receive a fluid for inflating the balloon. The delivery catheter has proximal and distal extremities and a flow lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity and has a balloon inflation orifice in the distal extremity in communication with the flow lumen. The valve comprises a cylindrical body of an elastomeric material having first and second open ends and a bore extending between the first and second open ends. A first valve is mounted in the first end of the cylindrical body. A second valve is mounted in the second end of the cylindrical body. The first and second valves face in opposite directions in the bore. The first and second valves are in a normally sealed position to prevent the escape a fluid under pressure in the bore of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An introducer cartridge for an embolization device for use with a delivery catheter having a proximal end with a hub mounted thereon and having a conical recess therein. The introducer cartridge includes a flexible elongate tubular member formed of a clear plastic and has a flow passage extending therethrough and has proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity is tapered and a hub formed of clear plastic is secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The hub of the introducer cartridge has a conical recess therein having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the conical recess has a diameter which is slightly less than the diameter of the flow passage in the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: An embolization device comprising an elongate coil having a plurality of turns formed of a metal which is relatively opaque to x-rays and having rounded ends. A group of fibers is provided. The group of fibers has an intermediate portion and first and second end portions. The intermediate portion is looped about one of the turns to form a loop on one of said turns. The end portions extend interiorly of the coil and outwardly of the coil through two adjacent turns adjacent the turn about which the loop is formed. The ends of the fibers of the end portions of each group are free to move. The group of fibers is free of knots. The loop serves as the sole means for retaining the group of fibers on the coil.

Abstract: System for artificial vessel embolization comprising a catheter adapted to be inserted into the vessel and having a passage extending therethrough. A balloon delivery catheter is slidably mounted in the passage in the first named catheter. The balloon delivery catheter comprises a flexible elongate element having proximal and distal extremities. A detachable balloon is detachably secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. An adapter is carried by the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate element permitting inflation and deflation of the detachable balloon. The detachable ballon includes a cylindrical valve base having a bore extending therethrough and a self-sealing valve mounted on the valve base. The detachable balloon is mounted by a friction interference fit between the valve base and the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. The size of the bore of the valve base is selected to provide the desired detachment force for the detachable balloon.

Abstract: A shunt system for implantation in the body comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet and a first fluid-flow passageway extending between the inlet and outlet. A pressure regulated valve is provided within the first fluid-flow passageway to provide fluid flow at selected fluid pressures in the passageway. A filter is positioned within the first fluid-flow passageway. A second fluid-flow passageway extends between the inlet and outlet and provides a passageway through the body around the filter. A valve and valve seat is provided within the second fluid-flow passageway which can be selectively closed or opened to provide fluid flow through the second fluid-flow passageway.

Abstract: An improved skin expansion device includes an inflatable envelope fluidly connected through a base thicker than the envelope to a conduit in fluid connection with an injection chamber. The base fluidly connects the conduit to the inflatable envelope through at least one fluid channel extending between a position proximate the perimeter of the base to an inwardly disposed location in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable envelope. The conduit is connected to the base along the perimeter and in fluid communication with the fluid channel.

Abstract: An improved self-sealing valve for use in a fluid fillable device includes a main body portion and a channel within the main body portion for receiving a fill tube. The improvement includes a sealing portion with the channel extending therethrough and movable from a fluid flowable position with the fill tube inserted in the channel to a curled, fluid sealing position when the fill tube is removed from the channel.

Abstract: An implantable metered dose drug delivery system is disclosed which comprises implantable components including an injection site, reservoir, metering valve and delivery catheter, all of which are interconnected through suitable tubing. The metering valve has a domed body constructed of a resilient elastomeric material with a fluid-flow passageway extending therethrough and opening into a chamber within the domed body. A valve is positioned within an outlet leading from the chamber, which valve is opened by exerting an external pressure on the domed body to first collapse and occlude the fluid-flow passageway and then open the valve to permit medication within the chamber to flow through the outlet. Upon release of the external pressure, the fluid-flow passageway opens and reduced pressure in the chamber draws additional fluid through the passageway to fill the chamber.

Abstract: A fetal shunt is disclosed which comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is provided with openings which extend into a lumen which forms a fluid-flow passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends. Either flanges or inflatable cuffs, which can be inflated to form a balloon extending around the tubular body, are provided intermediate the length of the tubular body. The outwardly projecting flanges or the inflated cuff portions form projections which maintain the position of the fetal shunt after it is implanted. The distal end of the tubular body of the shunt is provided with a valve for permitting fluid flow outwardly of the tubular body. The shunt provides a method for transferring cerebral spinal fluid from the fetal cranium to the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.