Abstract: An improved cerebrospinal fluid draining system adapted for insertion into the human body in order to control fluid flow passage of the cerebrospinal fluid from an area in the vicinity of the brain to a remote point of the body. The cerebrospinal fluid drain system includes a longitudinally extended sleeve member having a through opening in fluid communication with a catheter extending into the brain area of the body. A check valve mechanism having an inlet opening is in fluid communication with the sleeve member for receiving the fluid and includes an outlet passage for egressing fluid inserted under pressure into the check valve mechanism. The check valve mechanism includes a hinge element formed at a predetermined location to allow opening of the outlet passage responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure value and to further reliably close the outlet passage when the fluid pressure is less than some predetermined value.

Abstract: A subcutaneous guide assembly for use by surgeons during an operation where surgical elements must be passed through an elongated path internal to a human body. The guide assembly includes an elongated rod of predetermined contour and length which is secured on opposing ends to a handle member and to one of a variety of surgical elements which may be releasably secured to the rod through threaded engagement. Additionally, a plurality of rod members of differing lengths and contours may be easily secured to the handle section of the subcutaneous guide assembly. The handle section includes an internal chamber where various surgical elements may be contained for use in particular portions or phases of an operation. The handle further includes a mechanism whereby the contained surgical elements within the handle internal chamber may be easily sterilized.

Abstract: An improved cerebrospinal fluid anti-syphoning device for insertion into the human body to provide control and regulation of fluid being transported from the lateral ventricles to another portion of the body. The improved fluid anti-syphoning device includes a fluid housing member which is adapted to contain a pair of check valves which control fluid flow through the housing member and prevents back flow from a downstream area to an upstream area. A central chamber within the fluid housing member encloses a combination fluid egress conduit and flexible diaphragm which in cooperative relation provide for a substantial termination of fluid flow when the down stream pressure becomes too low with respect to the upstream pressure.Specific construction of the fluid egress conduit and the flexible diaphragm provides for negation of possible terminal closure of the flow path through the anti-syphoning device under a wide range of conditions.