Method and apparatus for managing normal pressure hydrocephalus

• US 20050055009A1
• Filed: 09/05/2003
• Published: 03/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Rosenberg, Meir
• Application Number:
  US10/656,973
• Publication Number:
  US 20050055009A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/500
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/031 Intracranial pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 27/006 Cerebrospinal drainage; Accessories therefor, e.g. valves

Abstract

An adjustable drainage system for regulating cerebrospinal fluid flow in a hydrocephalus patient where the drainage rate is adjusted in response to ventricular volume variations in the patient. The system includes an adjustable valve and a volume sensor that can be periodically energized with an external system controller device by the patient or attending physician to determine when, or if, a change in the ventricular volume has occurred. The system enables the user to adjust the valve'"'"'s resistance in response to changes in the ventricular volume using the controller device so that a target ventricular volume can be achieved. Also provided is a method of continuously draining cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity of the patient using the system of the present invention.

Claims