Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of mapping an interface definition language (IDL) based communication to a simple object access protocol (SOAP) based communication. The method includes receiving an IDL schema to be mapped to an XML schema and processing the IDL schema. The IDL schema may be processed to identify IDL identifiers having an added prefix, an IDL union element having a boolean discriminator type, or an IDL interface type that includes a constant string. The method may also include mapping each of the IDL identifiers by removing the added prefixes, an optional element of the IDL union element to a first XML schema type having different minimum and maximum occurs values, or the IDL interface type by creating an XML schema enumeration having a value set to a string value of the constant string. The method further includes generating the XML schema.

Abstract: A venous shunt system and method adapted to shunt cerebral spinal fluid in a patient. A fluid control device having a fluid passage is adapted to be placed allowing cerebral spinal fluid to flow through the fluid passage. A catheter having a lumen, the catheter being in fluid communication with the fluid control device. At least a portion of at least one of the catheter and the fluid control device being subjected to an anti-thrombogenic treatment.

Abstract: An implantable cerebral spinal fluid flow device and method. A body has an inlet for the cerebral spinal fluid, an outlet for the cerebral spinal fluid and a first interior cavity fluidly coupled with the inlet and the outlet. A first rotational element is mounted in the first interior cavity in a pathway between the inlet and the outlet. The first rotational element provides resistance to flow of the cerebral spinal fluid from the inlet to the outlet. In the method, the cerebral spinal fluid flow device is implanted. Resistance to rotation of the first rotational element to flow of the cerebral spinal fluid from the inlet to the outlet is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage system that includes a ventricular catheter, a drainage catheter, and a positive displacement pump that can function to actively drain CSF from the ventricles of the brain of a patient. Methods of using a drainage system in accordance with the invention are also provided, as well as kits.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDS) having anti-infective properties are described. Anti-infective agents are disposed in, on, or about at least a portion of a surface of the medical device. The anti-infective agents are disposed in or on a vehicle, which may be in the form of a coating layer or covering. The vehicle may be biodegradable so that, over time, the anti-infective agent is removed from a tissue location into which the device is implanted, reducing the likelihood that microorganisms resistant to the anti-infective agent will develop. IMDs having an anti-infective agent and an anti-activity agent disposed therein, thereabout, or thereon are also described. The anti-activity agent interferes with the activity of the anti-infective agent, may be released from a surface at the IMD at a time when activity of the anti-infective agent is no longer desired, and may reduce the likelihood that microorganisms resistant to the anti-infective agent will develop.

Abstract: A method for treating a disease associated with increased concentration of an undesirable and/or deleterious agent in a central nervous system (CNS) is disclosed. A catheter having no flow restrictor member is placed is used to shunt cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient's cerebral ventricle to a venous sinus within the patient's head. Physiologically based pressure differential and control mechanisms between the ventricle and the venous sinus are exploited to control ventriculo-sinus flow of CSF.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic indicator tool used to determine the setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically earth's magnetic field, may interfere with a conventional compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The magnetic indicator tool estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic valve reader used as an indicator tool. The magnetic valve reader determines a location and an orientation for a magnetic indicator device to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes the magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically the Earth's magnetic field, may interfere with the compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The electronic reader estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.

Abstract: A line fitting employs blocks secured together with a stud and a nut and having gaskets or seals which militate against permeation of CO2 when subjected to high pressures and high temperatures, the seals are also resistant to decompression damage.

Abstract: An occlusion resistant medical shunt, particularly a hydrocephalic shunt, is provided for implantation into a mammal. The shunt has an elongate wall structure configured as a tube having a lumen therethrough and a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids. The bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, flows through the shunt to a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids. The wall structure of the shunt generally includes a biocompatible medical device material. The shunts of the present invention further include one or more occlusion resistant materials to resist occlusion of the lumenal passage in the shunt.

Abstract: A line fitting employs blocks secured together with a stud and a nut and having gaskets or seals which militate against permeation of CO2 when subjected to high pressures and high temperatures, the seals are also resistant to decompression damage.