Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus has a pressure sensor component that includes a pressure sensing port, a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a fluid in the pressure sensing port, and a digital processor communicating with the pressure sensor for performing calculations involving fluid pressures sensed. The pressure sensing apparatus further includes a first chamber in fluid contact with the pressure sensing port, a second chamber fluidically connectable with a patient's cerebrospinal fluid system, and a membrane located between the first and second chambers so as to transmit fluid pressure from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: A detection device, for detecting a strength of a magnetic field of an object, includes a housing having a center, a first end and a detection end. A permanent magnetic element is suspended above the center of the housing having a first magnetic field strength and an indicator. A biasing permanent magnetic element is disposed at the first end of the housing and has a second magnetic field strength for biasing the indicator toward the first end. A first distance is between the permanent magnetic element and the biasing permanent magnetic element so that a threshold magnetic field strength can be determined from the first magnetic field strength, the second magnetic field strength and the first distance. Thus, when the object is placed approximate to the detection end and the object magnetic field strength is greater than the threshold magnetic field strength, the indicator rotates toward the detection end.

Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision, which together define a line of sight, and a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator indicates the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator. The device optionally includes a reflector element adjacent to the horizontal level indicator within the field of vision, where the horizontal level indicator is visible through the viewing element via the reflector element.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system that is able to verify the success or failure of the positional adjustment of a valve without the need for additional energy during non-invasive reprogramming is provided. The acoustic monitoring system includes a programmer for generating a sequence of commands to adjust the valve mechanism, and for receiving acoustic signals for analysis, a transmitter to implement the command and adjust the valve, and a sensor for detecting an acoustic signal generated from the valve during execution of the commands. A method for using the acoustic monitoring system is also provided.

Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis has an oblong geometry in which its dimensions in a first axis exceed those in a second axis that is normal to the first axis. The prosthesis has a superior, bone engaging surface with primary and secondary partial spheres that are merged together. The opposed inferior surface of the prosthesis includes at least one hemispherical cavity that is formed within the primary partial sphere. The primary partial sphere has dimensions that exceed the secondary partial sphere by less than or equal to about 5%.

Abstract: A system for reaming a cavity in bone for implantation of a prosthetic component, such as an oblong acetabular cup having an outer surface formed by adjacent hemispheres. In one embodiment, the reaming system is useful to form a second cavity in relation to an already formed first cavity. The reaming system includes an instrument with an elongate handle and a drive member coupled to a bearing plate with a locator member removably and replaceably mountable to the bearing plate. The drive member has a distal reamer mating end and a proximal end for coupling with a drill mechanism. The distal reamer mating end is axially movable toward and away from the bearing plate to ream the cavity corresponding to the secondary hemisphere of the acetabular cup to be implanted. In another embodiment, the reaming system includes a plurality of reamers each having different outer dimensions and being matable to the drive member.