Physiological fluid shunt system and improvements therefor

• US 4,382,445 A
• Filed: 12/04/1980
• Issued: 05/10/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cosmos Research Associates
• Original Assignee: Cosmos Research Associates
• Inventors: Sommers, Michael W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Truluck, Dalton L.
• Application Number:
  US06/212,987
• Time in Patent Office: 887 Days
• Field of Search: 128/348, 128/350 R, 128/350 V
• US Class Current: 604/8
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0076 Unidirectional valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/024 having a clip or clamp system
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0246 fixed on the skin having a cover for covering the holding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0075 Valve means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/02 Holding devices, e.g. on the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/06 Body-piercing guide needles or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 27/006 Cerebrospinal drainage; Accessories therefor, e.g. valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/0208 Subcutaneous access sites for injecting or removing fluids transcutaneous access sites A61M39/0247; implantable infusion devices A61M5/14276

Abstract

Comprehensive shunting systems for draining fluid from a region of the body, such as in the treatment of hydrocephalus. The shunting systems greatly improve the drainage of such fluid and are capable of attaining a significantly extended lifetime of service within the patient being treated. A catheter accommodates the growth of the patient, even when the shunt system is inserted within an infant. The shunt systems improve drainage of fluid through a shunt by preventing proteinaceous buildup resulting in shunt malfunction. In addition, an improved proximal catheter is disclosed which is capable of being caused to assume a position spaced from the body tissue, i.e., ventricular lining. Valve assemblies attain pressure regulation, such that stagnant reservoirs or columns of fluid are eliminated to prevent formation of sediment and ultimately valve malfunction, and collapse of a body cavity due to evacuation of fluid is not encountered. A trocar for inserting the catheter into the body for ease of the patient and surgeon. A syphon effect within the shunt system is also prevented and a variable pressure response of a slit valve at the time of surgery is provided.

Claims

1. A catheter assembly for a physiological fluid shunt system comprising:

catheter means for draining fluid from a source of a patient,

said catheter means having a first tubular section and a second tubular section, each of said tubular section being adapted to be restrained at an end portion by attachment to the patient'"'"'s body,

said first tubular section having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of said second tubular section,

at least a position of said first tubular section being concentrically inserted within at least a portion of said second tubular section in spaced relationship to permit relative movement automatically therebetween in response to the application of tensile force to said catheter means as a result of physiological growth of the patient,

sealing means disposed between said first and second tubular sections to permit said relative movement and prevent the passage of fluid being drained through the space therebetween, said sealing means includes at least one continuous annular gasket member extending between said first and second tubular sections and frictionally contracting one of said first and second tubular sections,

said at least gasket member includes a one continuous flange member coupled to said first tubular section and extending outward to contact said second tubular section at a peripheral edge portion, said flange member having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of said second tubular section to cause said flange member to deflect at said end portion and create sealing contact therewith while permitting relative movement between said first and second tubular members in response to physiological growth of the patient,

said sealing contact occurring at an outer region of said flange member adjacent said edge portion for attaining enhanced sealing contact and preventing relative movement except as a result of the forces generated by the patient'"'"'s physiological growth.

2. The catheter assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at least one continuous flange member includes a plurality of spaced flange members, said flange members possess a diameter greater than said inner diameter of said second tubular member.

3. The catheter assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at least one gasket member is flexible.

4. The catheter assembly according to claim 1 wherein said sealing member permits relative movement in one direction in response to growth of the patient and prevents movement in the opposite direction.