Method for fluid control in medical applications

• US 20070185468A1
• Filed: 10/18/2006
• Published: 08/09/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arnold Prywes
• Original Assignee: Arnold Prywes
• Inventors: Prywes, Arnold
• Granted Patent: US 7,655,831 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/369
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 27/006 Cerebrospinal drainage; Accessories therefor, e.g. valves

Abstract

A method and device for shunting fluid from high pressure volumes to low pressure volumes to treat various medical problems caused by an imbalance or malfunction of the regulation of flow between these volumes. Typical problems where the method and device are employed include the treatment of incontinence, treatment of hydrocephalus, treatment of elevated intra-cranial pressure, treatment of elevated intra-ocular pressure and the like. The controlled release of fluid from the high pressure volume is accomplished by inserting a sponge using an insertion device such as an endoscope. The sponge retains and releases fluid in response to a pressure differential between the high and lower pressure volumes. The sponge material may be natural or synthetic and sponges with different porosity and fluid retention are provided to achieve desired flow characteristics. The sponges can be provided with different shapes to allow it to conform to the anatomy and may have additional or integral modules that attach it to the anatomical structures.

Claims

1. A method of controlling flow of a fluid from a first volume to a second volume comprising inserting a sponge in a flow path between the first and second volumes, said sponge being constructed and arranged to regulate flow of the fluid from aid first volume to said second volume.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said sponge is made of inert material and has a porosity which regulates the flow of the fluid.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inserting of the sponge is determined by utilizing a visualization device.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising associating with said sponge a means for indicating conditions of flow of the fluid through the sponge.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of sponges having different porosities are provided, and selecting a sponge with a particular porosity for the particular flow regulation desired.

6. The method according to claim 1, for treating incontinence and wherein the first volume is the bladder end the second volume is the urethra, said sponge absorbing the fluid from the bladder, until significant pressure pulse of bladder forces the liquid into and from the urethra.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the sponge is inserted into a junction between the bladder and urethra while viewing with an endoscope.

8. The method according to claim 1, for treating hydrocephalus wherein a hole is formed in the third ventricle of the brain to enable fluid flow to the basal cisterns, and said sponge is inserted into the hole to regulate fluid flow therethrough.

9. The method according to claim 1, for treating glaucoma wherein a fistula is formed in the sclera to relieve intra-ocular pressure in the eye by fluid flow through the fistula and wherein said sponge is inserted into said fistula to regulate fluid flow therethrough.

10. A sponge for use in the method of claim 1, comprised of an inert material shaped and sized for insertion into said fluid path and provided with a porosity adapted to parameters of flow of the fluid and a desired degree of fluid retention.

11. A method of controlling fluid flow from a chamber, said method comprising installing a sponge at an outlet of the chamber, and providing said sponge with a determined porosity to regulate and control outflow of fluid from said chamber.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the chamber is a bladder which is connected to the urethra for outflow of urine, said sponge being provided with a porosity for absorbing urine until bladder pressure forces the urine from the sponge into the urethra.

13. The method according to claim 11, comprising applying a medicament to the sponge for treating the fluid or adjacent tissues.