SHUNT FLUSHERS AND RELATED METHODS
First Claim
1. A shunt system, comprising:
- a catheter having a primary flow port and an auxiliary flow port; and
a flusher configured to emit a flushing cough or pulse of fluid through the catheter;
wherein the shunt system is operable in a restricted mode in which;
(i) a flush generated by the flusher is insufficient to open the auxiliary flow port;
or(ii) the flusher is prevented from emitting the flush;
wherein the shunt system is operable in an unrestricted mode in which;
(i) a flush generated by the flusher is sufficient to open the auxiliary flow port;
or(ii) the flusher is not prevented from emitting the flush; and
wherein the flusher includes a control operable to switch the flusher between the restricted mode and the unrestricted mode.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for flushing shunt systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a flusher includes a pinch tube that extends over a flush dome such that a user can simultaneously close the pinch tube and actuate the flush dome with a single motion. Flushing and refill valves of the system can be disposed in a cartridge that is laterally-offset from the flush dome, advantageously reducing the height profile of the flusher. Flushers with integrated shunt valves are also disclosed, as are shunt systems with restricted and unrestricted modes for selectively limiting the instances in which a user can open an auxiliary flow path through the system.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A shunt system, comprising:
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a catheter having a primary flow port and an auxiliary flow port; and a flusher configured to emit a flushing cough or pulse of fluid through the catheter; wherein the shunt system is operable in a restricted mode in which; (i) a flush generated by the flusher is insufficient to open the auxiliary flow port;
or(ii) the flusher is prevented from emitting the flush; wherein the shunt system is operable in an unrestricted mode in which; (i) a flush generated by the flusher is sufficient to open the auxiliary flow port;
or(ii) the flusher is not prevented from emitting the flush; and wherein the flusher includes a control operable to switch the flusher between the restricted mode and the unrestricted mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A shunt system, comprising:
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a catheter having a primary flow port and an auxiliary flow port; and a flusher configured to selectively emit a first flush of fluid through the catheter or a second flush of fluid through the catheter; wherein the first flush of fluid is not sufficient to open the auxiliary flow port and wherein the second flush of fluid is sufficient to open the auxiliary flow port. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22-77. -77. (canceled)
Specification