Abstract: A totally subcutaneously implantable infusion reservoir and pump system includes a variable capacity reservoir for receiving and storing fluid medication for delivery to a catheter which directs the medication to a specific infusion location in the body. In a preferred form of the invention, a control assembly is interposed between the reservoir and the catheter to facilitate and control the transfer of the medication from the reservoir to the catheter in a safe and efficient manner. This control assembly includes a normally closed valve and a pump, both of which are manually actuable by percutaneous pressure when subcutaneously implanted, and defines a portion of a fluid flow conduit between the reservoir and the catheter. Moreover, the control assembly is constructed to prevent the backflow of fluid from the catheter to the reservoir, as well as the unrestricted flow of medication through the control assembly when the normally closed valve is opened.

Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable siphon control device is provided for use in a physiological shunt system including a proximal catheter, a flow control valve and a distal catheter. The siphon control device limits fluid flow through the shunt system due to the siphoning effect of hydrostatic pressure created by the elevation of the proximal catheter inlet with respect to the distal catheter outlet. The siphon control device includes, generally, a base having an inlet typically placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the flow control valve, and an outlet typically placed in fluid communication with the distal catheter, and a housing for the base which, in connection with the base, defines a fluid flow pathway between the inlet and the outlet. The base provides a wall having substantially parallel upper and lower seating surfaces, which separates the inlet from the outlet.

Abstract: A totally subcutaneously implantable infusion reservoir and pump system includes a variable capacity reservoir for receiving and storing fluid medication for delivery to a catheter which directs the medication to a specific infusion location in the body. In a preferred form of the invention, a control assembly is interposed between the reservoir and the catheter to facilitate and control the transfer of the medication from the reservoir to the catheter in a safe and efficient manner. This control assembly includes a normally closed valve and a pump, both of which are manually actuable by percutaneous pressure when subcutaneously implanted, and defines a portion of a fluid flow conduit between the reservoir and the catheter. Moreover, the control assembly is constructed to prevent the backflow of fluid from the catheter to the reservoir, as well as the unrestricted flow of medication through the control assembly when the normally closed valve is opened.

Abstract: A totally subcutaneously implantable infusion reservoir and pump system includes a variable capacity reservoir for receiving and storing fluid medication for delivery to a catheter which directs the medication to a specific infusion location in the body. In a preferred form of the invention, a control assembly is interposed between the reservoir and the catheter to facilitate and control the transfer of the medication from the reservoir to the catheter in a safe and efficient manner. This control assembly includes a normally closed valve and a pump, both of which are manually actuable by percutaneous pressure when subcutaneously implanted, and defines a portion of a fluid flow conduit between the reservoir and the catheter. Moreover, the control assembly is constructed to prevent the backflow of fluid from the catheter to the reservoir, as well as the unrestricted flow of medication through the control assembly when the normally closed valve is opened.

Abstract: A surgically implantable flow control valve positionable over a burr-hole through a patient's skull is provided for use in shunt systems for controlling the release of entrapped body fluids. The valve includes a relatively rigid, unitized molded plastic base having a planar valve seat portion, an inlet passageway through the base which terminates at an inlet port situated within the planar valve seat portion of the base, a resilient membrane which is molded of a material different from the material of the plastic base and which is secured to the base in a manner surrounding and covering the inlet port, and an outlet separated from the inlet by the resilient membrane. Radiopaque indicators and markers are provided which permit a surgeon to ascertain specific information about the device and the functioning of the shunt system which would otherwise be unavailable without additional surgery.

Abstract: A totally subcutaneously implantable infusion reservoir and pump system includes a variable capacity reservoir for receiving and storing fluids containing medications for delivery to a catheter which directs the medications to a specific infusion location in the body. A pump and a valving arrangement is interposed between the reservoir and the catheter to facilitate and control the transfer of the medications from the reservoir to the catheter in a safe and efficient manner. In one preferred form, a normally closed first valve is situated between the reservoir and a pump, and a normally closed second valve is situated between the pump and the catheter in a manner such that the pump and valving arrangement defines a portion of a fluid flow conduit between the reservoir and the catheter. The pump and valving arrangement requires at least two deliberate and sequential steps before the medications stored in the reservoir can be transferred to the catheter.

Abstract: A surgically implantable flow control valve is provided for use in shunt systems for controlling the release of entrapped body fluids. The valve includes a relatively rigid, unitized molded plastic base separating an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber and including one or more apertures passing from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber, and a resilient membrane which is molded of a material different from the material of the plastic base and which is secured to the base in a manner covering the apertures through the base on the outlet chamber side of the base. Fluid flow occluders on the base facilitate both proximal and distal flushing, and radiopaque indicators and markers permit a surgeon to ascertain specific information about the device and the functioning of the shunt system which would otherwise be unavailable without additional surgery.

Abstract: For use in controlling the release of entrapped body fluids, a surgically implantable flow control valve is provided which includes a molded plastic base separating an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber and including one or more apertures passing from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber, and a resilient membrane which is molded of a material different from the material of the plastic base and which is secured to the base covering the aperture or apertures through the base on the outlet chamber side of the base.

Abstract: An expansion device for temporary implantation beneath the skin and subcutaneous layer, there to be enlarged whereby to increase the surface area of tissue which overlays it, to provide a flap for use in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The device comprises an envelope with a substantially non-extensible base and a cover. Together the base and cover form an envelope. The cover is flexible, and when empty it is slack. The volume of the envelope is adjustably variable as a function of the amount of fluid it contains. Means is provided for admitting fluid to the envelope without puncturing the base or the cover.

Abstract: A puncturable resealable housing for surgical implantation beneath the skin and which is adapted to receive repeated hypodermic punctures through the skin and into the housing. The housing has an improved dimensional and shape configuration of a sealant layer to receive hypodermic punctures from widely angled positions.