Abstract: An implantable shunt that includes one or more catheters configured so that the implantable shunt has a resistance to flow greater than about 3 mm Hg/mL/minute. An implantable shunt system that includes one or more catheters and a fluid control device that utilizes the properties of the catheters to improve the expected function of the shunt by providing a higher or lower resistance to the flow through the shunt and reduces the effect of pulsations of cerebrospinal fluid on the shunt system.

Abstract: Drainage system including 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 disclosed, as well as kits.

Abstract: A method for treatment of COPD, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia including creation of an artificial arterio-venous fistula and installation of a flow mediating device proximate the fistula. The flow mediating device is operated to limit flow as medically indicated to provide the optimum amount of bypass flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ocular implant, particularly a glaucoma stent. It is the object of the present invention to devise an ocular implant which allows the ocular eye pressure to be regulated, i.e., to be maintained at a desired level, while preventing the flow resistance from increasing over time, for example due to fibrosis. In order to achieve this object, the ocular implant according to the invention comprises a small tube (5), the wall surface (3) of which encloses a hollow duct that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the hollow duct, wherein a first opening (1) allowing ocular humor to flow in and a second opening (2) allowing the ocular humor to be discharged is provided, and wherein the wall surface (3) is formed by a liquid-tight material, and wherein at least one pressure-controlled valve (4) is disposed in the area of the wall surface (3).

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration. In one embodiment, a conduit is provided having a distal top which is more preferably a ball top, wire top, flare top or flip-down top. These top configurations anchor the shunt at one end in the coronary artery.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has an implant and a delivery device. The implant has inlet and outlet portions, a lumen extending therebetween and communicating with inlet and outlet ports. The implant is sized so that in use aqueous humor flows from an anterior chamber of an eye through the implant and into a uveal scleral outflow path of the eye. The delivery device is configured to advance the implant from within the anterior chamber, with the outlet portion leading the inlet portion, to a location where the outlet and inlet ports respectively communicate with the uveal scleral outflow path and the anterior chamber. One method involves advancing an implant from within the anterior chamber, and draining fluid from therein such that fluid flows into an implant inlet port and out through an implant outlet port and into the uveal scleral outflow path.

Abstract: A flow regulating implant is provided with one or more grooves for allowing fluid flow. One or more grooves may have a constant or varying cross-section along its length. One or more grooves may have in it biodegradable material, absorbable material, and/or threads or sutures. A resilient band or coating may be placed around the implant or one or more grooves, to act as a pressure regulator. The implant may have a side projection, such as a side pin, for engaging tissue. The implant may comprise two or more parts that are held at a distance from each other to allow fluid flow between the parts.

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: A flow regulating implant is provided with one or more grooves for allowing fluid flow. One or more grooves may have a constant or varying cross-section along its length. One or more grooves may have in it biodegradable material, absorbable material, and/or threads or sutures. A resilient band or coating may be placed around the implant or one or more grooves, to act as a pressure regulator. The implant may have a side projection, such as a side pin, for engaging tissue. The implant may comprise two or more parts that are held at a distance from each other to allow fluid flow between the parts.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.

Abstract: A heart assist device connection system comprises an inflow connector in fluid-tight communication with an inflow section of a heart assist device. The connector is configured to be releasably connected to an inlet extension inserted into a patient's ventricle. The connector has one or more recesses configured to match a protrusion on the inlet extension. The system also comprises an outflow connector in fluid communication with an outflow section of the heart assist device. The outflow connector is configured to be releasably connected to a conduit attached-to the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in tissue approximation and fixation are described herein. The present invention provides, in part, methods and devices for acquiring tissue folds in a circumferential configuration within a hollow body organ, e.g., a stomach, positioning the tissue folds for affixing within a fixation zone of the stomach, preferably to create a pouch or partition below the esophagus, and fastening the tissue folds such that a tissue ring, or stomas, forms excluding the pouch from the greater stomach cavity. The present invention further provides for a liner or bypass conduit which is affixed at a proximal end either to the tissue ring or through some other fastening mechanism. The distal end of the conduit is left either unanchored or anchored within the intestinal tract. This bypass conduit also includes a fluid bypass conduit which allows the stomach and a portion of the intestinal tract to communicate.

Abstract: A dual channel shunt device (30) and method allow for the easy and safe draining of first bloody and then clear hydrocephalic fluid (28) from the brain. A burr hole (22) is drilled to allow a catheter (14) to access the lateral ventricle (12) and then a tube (26) is run under the scalp (26) to the dual channel device (30) and then from the dual channel device (30) through another tube (18) to drain into the peritoneal cavity (36). The first channel (26a, 26b) comprises an on-off switch (32,60) coupled with an anti-siphon device (64). The second channel (26b, 18b) comprises a pressure resistant valve (34) offering a resistance in the range of 40-80 Millimeters of water. Initially the bloody fluid (28) is drained through the on/off switch (32). When the fluid (28) has cleared, as determined by a CT scan, the surgeon turns off the on-off switch (32) thereby diverting the clear fluid (28) through the pressure resistant valve (34) into the peritoneal cavity (36).

Abstract: Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes a dissolving portion configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time. The elongate member also includes a non-dissolving portion that includes the entire retention member of the distal end portion and is substantially stable in the bodily fluid of the urinary tract of the patient. In some embodiments, a medial portion of the ureteral stent is also constructed with one or more dissolving materials. In some implementations, the proximal and/or the medial portions of the ureteral stent are constructed using various combinations of dissolving and non-dissolving materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drainage device comprising: an internal chamber; at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port communicating with the internal chamber; a shutter disposed at least in part in the internal chamber; at least one first valve seat associated with the inlet port, the shutter being capable of bearing against the first seat in order to isolate the inlet port from the outlet port, in particular when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ports is less than a predetermined first opening pressure; and at least one flow constriction associated with the outlet port, the shutter being capable of shutting said constriction, while allowing a minimum, safety flow to pass at a rate that is greater than or equal to 2.5 mL/h even in a maximally-shut position, referred to as a “closed” position, which position is reached in particular for pressure differences between the inlet and outlet ports that are greater than or equal to a predetermined closure pressure.

Abstract: A surgical implant device for treating glaucoma includes an elongate duct structure formed from a material comprising polyisobutylene and a glassy segment. The material of the elongate duct structure preferably has a general block structure with a central elastomeric polyolefinic block and thermoplastic end blocks (e.g., a triblock polymer backbone comprising polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene). The elongate duct structure provides a fluid passageway for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. Preferably, the elongate duct structure defines a lumen channel having an inside diameter between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm. The material of the elongate duct structure is biocompatible and biostable. Moreover, the material will not encapsulate in the eye and thus provides an unobstructed flowpath that diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. Different embodiments of the implant device divert the aqueous humor to different parts of the eye (e.g.

Abstract: A gravitational pressure regulating mechanism for use with a valve is provided for control of pressure and diversion of bodily fluids. The mechanism includes a reservoir having first and second ends, the first end being open and the second end having a floor and an entry port, and a free floating weight adapted to freely slide in the reservoir from a closed position wherein the weight is adjacent the floor to an opened position wherein the weight is positioned away from the floor. The weight has a closure member having a surface to engage the entry port when the weight is in the closed position. The mechanism further includes a cap having an exit port to seal the open first end of the reservoir. The mass of the weight is proportional to the amount of resistance to flow of the bodily fluids through the regulating mechanism.

Abstract: An anti-siphon device limits the flow of a fluid from a first region of a patient's body to a second region. The device includes a housing having a spherical inner surface with a predetermined inner diameter. The housing has an inlet port for receiving fluid from the first region and an outlet port for directing fluid to the second region. The inlet port and the outlet port are disposed approximately diametrically opposite from each other. A spherical ball is disposed within the housing. The spherical ball has a ferromagnetic weight disposed off center therein. The spherical ball has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the housing so that the spherical ball is free to rotate within the housing and the fluid is free to flow between the inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of said spherical ball. The spherical ball has a circumferential recess extending through its center.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A device for treating glaucoma in an eye is described. The device includes a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces, wherein the body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. The device further includes a filter membrane capable of providing outflow resistance to aqueous humor flowing through the lumen. The device further includes a debris filter positioned either at the first end or between the first end and the filter providing outflow resistance. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A trabecular shunt and methods for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises placing a trabecular shunt through diseased trabecular meshwork, between the anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal. The trabecular shunt includes a hollow, elongated tubular element having an inlet section and an outlet section. The outlet section includes two bifurcatable elements adapted to be positioned and stabilized inside Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A device for treating glaucoma in an eye is described. The device includes a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces, wherein the body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. The device further includes a filter capable of providing outflow resistance to aqueous humor flowing through the lumen. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A bioinert implantable shunt device useful for controlling internal pressure includes a valve apparatus, a device for attaching the valve apparatus and an inlet tube. The valve apparatus includes an inlet port, an outlet port, a flexible tube connected therebetween and a pressurized enclosure. The flexible tube is positioned inside the pressurized enclosure whereby fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port is dependent on a differential pressure between a pressure in the flexible tube and a pressure outside the flexible tube in the pressurized enclosure. The inlet tube is connected to the inlet port of the valve apparatus. The pressurized enclosure may include a housing and a semi-permeable membrane in a wall of the housing whereby fluid can pass through the semi-permeable membrane into the pressurized enclosure thereby increasing the pressure in the pressurized enclosure. The implantable shunt device may be for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: Variable anti-siphon devices are disclosed for use in cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems. Such devices can include a housing with an internal chamber, an adjustable barrier separating the chamber into two cavities, and a diaphragm that seats itself against the adjustable barrier with a seating force that is proportional to the pressure differential across it. The adjustable barrier advantageously allows the level of anti-siphon protection to be modified. In one embodiment, the height of the adjustable barrier may be varied. In another embodiment, the barrier is moved longitudinally within the internal chamber to vary the volume of each chamber.

Abstract: A device and methods of use for delivering a drug to the body, or monitoring an analyte found in the body, are described. The device includes a base, a plurality of puncturing members extending from the base, a plurality of holes extending through the base for the passage of the drug or the analyte, and a network of channels for distributing the drug or collecting the analyte. Methods of trans-dermal or trans-mucous delivery of a drug or monitoring of an analyte are also described.

Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma in an eye utilizing an implant is disclosed. The implant comprises an elastomeric plate having first and second surfaces and an non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of said eye beneath Tenon's capsule, such that a portion of the plate extends into the anterior segment of the eye. The first end of said elastomeric drainage tube is open to said second surface of said plate. The second end of said drainage tube is tunneled through the sclera and cornea and inserted into the anterior chamber of said eye. Fluid communication is provided between said anterior chamber and a scar tissue bleb which forms around said implant. Preferably, a portion of the scar tissue bleb extends into the anterior segment of the eye and a portion of the scar tissue bleb extends into the posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: Ureteral stents are tubes which are placed in the ureter between the bladder and kidney to maintain patency when otherwise due to stone burden, invasive tumor, scarring, or whenever the ureter has become obstructed in order to provide drainage of urine from the kidney to the bladder. In the past, stents of this nature are open ended tubes and may allow for the reflux of urine back into the kidney when there is sufficient buildup of pressure within the bladder. Since urine is generally considered to be sterile when within the body, this is generally not a problem. However, if the patient has a bladder infection and/or pyrogens are present, then urine refluxed into the ureter and kidney may result in the development of sepsis in the patient and cause serious illness and even death. The stent of the present invention has a very specific design and avoids this problem by providing a stent having a closed section, i.e.

Abstract: A valve for preventing excessive cerebrospinal fluid flow in ventriculoperitoneal shunt, known as "siphoning", which occurs when a patient rapidly moves from a recumbent to an upright position, is described. The valve includes at least one valve unit containing within a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cavity, a freely moveable float which is buoyant in CSF. The valve is subcutaneously implanted in the patient in an upright orientation in which the entrance port of the valve unit is elevated higher than the cavity while the patient is upright. In this orientation, the float rises to the top of the CSF-filled cavity where it seals against a seat of the entrance port. The float thus stops flow until intracranial pressure sufficiently exceeds the buoyant force. The casing generally has a contoured sectional profile. When the patient reclines, the valve orients so that the float rises to a high region of the casing which is away from the entrance seat thereby allowing CSF to flow through.

Abstract: A device for pinpoint application of micro-quantities of a pharmacologically suitable composition to the outer hard coat of the eye, comprises a micro-container with a fixation element. The micro-container comprises a bore whose aperture is adapted to contact the eye surface, and the fixation element is adapted for reversibly adhering to the eye surface.

Abstract: An implant for use in the treatment of glaucoma is disclosed wherein the implant comprises an elastomeric plate having a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube attached thereto. The plate is elliptical in shape and curved so as to conform to the curvature of the eye. At least one hole is made in the plate to facilitate the formation of a tethered scar tissue bubble, referred to a bleb, to form around the carrier plate. The scar tissue will grow through the hole or holes and pull the perimeter of the bubble towards the carrier plate at the hole locations to tether the formation of the bleb to the carrier plate and finally to the sclera tissue. The plate is inserted into the eye in an incision made in the Tenon's capsule and sutured to the sclera. The drainage tube is tunnelled through the Tenon's capsule and cornea and inserted into the anterior chamber, thus providing patent fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the elastomeric plate.

Abstract: In a cerebrospinal fluid shunt including a flow control device forming a portion of a fluid conduit, a capacitive element is provided for reducing overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid due to the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow. The capacitive element includes a reservoir having a base and a housing for the base which cooperatively define a fluid flow pathway through the reservoir. A pair of spaced, substantially parallel, flexible diaphragms form opposite sides of the housing such that each flexible diaphragm has an outer surface which forms an exterior surface of the reservoir, and an inner surface in contact with and subject to pressure variations of cerebrospinal fluid within the reservoir. A raised ring surrounds each diaphragm and forms a recess in which the respective diaphragm is positioned. The capacitive element accommodates the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow between a cerebrospinal fluid source and the flow control valve by varying the fluid capacity of the reservoir.

Abstract: An adjustable-resistance anti-siphon device for a cerebrospinal fluid shunt is provided. The device has a substantially rigid housing having an internal cavity which contains a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber having at least one flexible wall, an inlet port and an outlet port, the ports passing through apertures in the housing; the second chamber being gas-filled and being in pressure communication with at least a portion of the at least one flexible wall of the first chamber; and gas pressure control means connected to said gas-filled chamber whereby the pressure in said gas-filled chamber may be adjusted.

Abstract: An implant for use in the treatment of glaucoma is disclosed wherein the implant comprises an elastomeric plate having a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube attached thereto. The plate is elliptical in shape and curved so as to conform to the curvature of the eye. The plate is inserted into the eye in an incision made in the Tenon's capsule and sutured to the sclera. The drainage tube is tunnelled through the Tenon's capsule and cornea and inserted into the anterior chamber, thus providing patent fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the elastomeric plate. The flexible structure of the plate allows the plate to be easily inserted, thus reducing the surgical procedure length. In addition, the pliable material minimizes th risk of damage and trauma to surrounding tissues in the insertion process.

Abstract: A ureteral stent is nominally straight, but is provided with a coil adjacent one end to prevent migration. The coil portion is straightened upon insertion into the ureter on a guide wire, and is supposed to coil after insertion to prevent migration. An electronic signal is provided when such coiling does take place, and is applied to externally human descernable structure such as a meter. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and may include a metallic cylinder embedded in the end of the stent and disposed adjacent a coil within the straight portion of the stent for inductive relation when the coiled portion has properly coiled following insertion.

Abstract: A compensating valve and a drainage system for draining a body fluid from one body region to another body region. The system enables routine drainage at predetermined differential pressures, provides for pumping action, for flushing action to clear the system of obstructive material, and for resisting over-drainage which can occur when the patient makes an abrupt and relatively large change in his position. A compensating valve purpose has a valving action which is proportional to various parameters so as to enable continuous and proportional control for drainage rather than an on/off control.

Abstract: A bladder cycler is provided with a magnetic valve for hospital, nursing home, and home care use in automatic emptying of the bladder of a patient. Manual override also is provided with variable opening pressure.

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: The disclosure relates to an infusion cannula for infusing fluids into various cavities of the eye. The cannula comprises a tube having first and second ends and a check valve therebetween for allowing fluid flow only toward the first end. The first end of the cannula secured within the eye and the second end of the cannula is attached to a fluid source.

Abstract: An implantable valve for controlling the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm, one side of which is in the pressure communication with the drainage location of the body, and the other side of which is in pressure communication with the ventricular spaces of the brain. A valve assembly, actuable by displacement of the diaphragm in response to applied pressure differentials, regulates passage of CSF from the ventricular spaces to the drainage location. When the pressure differential falls below a minimum threshold level, the valve is closed to prevent fluid flow. When the pressure differential increases beyond the threshold, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a first predetermined pressure differential across the valve.

Abstract: A tissue-implantable fluid-dissipating device enabling fluid from a source to be delivered to and absorbed by tissue of the eye. In one embodiment the device includes a base plate having a radius of curvature approximately equal to that of the human eye and a second plate peripherally joined to the base plate along a portion of its periphery to form an orifice, the second plate extending at least partially over but spaced from the base plate to form a cavity and having a radius of curvature less than that of the base plate. The device also includes attachment means for communicating a tube end with the cavity that is positioned to permit an attached tube to lie generally parallel to the base plate.

Abstract: A subcutaneous valve is provided for the treatment of hydrocephalus adapted to be inserted between a ventricular catheter and a distal catheter. The valve comprises a body enclosing a chamber having formed through its cylindrical wall an inlet and outlet passage for cephalorachidian fluid. A rotor is journaled in the chamber for rotation about the chamber axis. A spring blade, fixed to the rotor extends arcuately along a cylindrical wall, bearing deflectably outwardly against a valve member and slides thereon to bias the member against a valve seat with a force depending on the angular position of the rotor and the chamber. The rotor is a disk in the form of a cut-out circular sector having a peripheral surface and two radial end surfaces. A stop means extends from a bottom wall of the chamber between the radial end surfaces of the rotor.

Abstract: A valve assembly for relieving intracraneal pressure includes a valve housing adapted for implantation and having an inlet port for connection to a ventricular catheter and an outlet port for connection to a venus or peritoneal catheter. The valve housing includes a fluid passage, the flow through which is controlled by a first pressure responsive valve of relatively high resistence and a second pressure responsive valve of relatively low resistence spaced downstream of said first pressure responsive valve. An attitude responsive valve is disposed in said fluid passage in parallel with said first pressure responsive valve. The valve assembly is implanted in a patient with the attitude responsive valve in a closed position when the patient is in an upright position and in an open position when the patient is in a horizontal position. The employment of pressure responsive and attitude responsive valves in parallel provides ventricular pressure relief regardless of the patient's position.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for the relief of high intraocular pressures associated with glaucoma is shown. The device includes a limp reservoir adapted to be worn against or within the eye wall, a conduit leading from the reservoir to the anterior chamber of the eye, and means for communicating the reservoir with liquid-receptive tissue. Unidirectional flow means, such as a check valve, is employed to prevent back-flow of liquid into the anterior chamber. When the reservoir is periodically compressed, aqueous humor collected in the reservoir is expelled into liquid-receptive tissue where it is absorbed or is passed to the venous system.

Abstract: This valve adapted to be inserted between a ventricular catheter and a draining catheter comprises a body of flattened cylindrical shape enclosing a chamber having formed through its cylindrical wall an inlet passage for introducing the cephalorachidian fluid and an outlet passage for discharging this fluid. At the inner end of the inlet passage a frustoconical seat engageable by a ball valve acting as a non-return valve is provided, this ball valve being urged against the seat by a curved spring blade extending along the lateral inner wall of the chamber and mounted preferably in overhanging relationship on a diameter bar of magnetic material mounted in turn for concentric rotation on a pivot pin extending across the chamber. A tooth carried by the bar end opposite the spring blade is adapted to engage detent-positioning dents formed in the lateral wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A shunt system for implantation in the body which can be used for transferring cerebrospinal fluid is disclosed. The shunt system comprises a body having an upper and lower surface and a distal and proximal end. The body includes a central cavity opening through the upper surface at a first and second port. A proximal fluid flow channel extends through the proximal end of the body and opens at a third port on the upper surface. A distal fluid flow channel extends through the distal end of the body and opens at a fourth port on the upper surface. A resilient dome comprised of a self-sealing material is attached to and extends over the upper surface of the body. A first portion of the resilient dome extends over the first and third ports on the upper surface defining a first chamber. The first portion of the resilient dome cooperates upon flexing with the third port to occlude the third port.