Three stage implantable pressure relief valve with adjustable valve stem members

• US 4,729,762 A
• Filed: 12/23/1985
• Issued: 03/08/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: NMT NeuroSciences (International), Inc.
• Original Assignee: Cordis Corporation (Cardinal Health, Inc.)
• Inventors: Doumenis, Demetrios
• Primary Examiner(s): Truluck, Dalton L.
• Application Number:
  US06/812,780
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 137/504, 137/859, 137/508, 604/6-8, 604/247
• US Class Current: 604/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 27/006 Cerebrospinal drainage; Accessories therefor, e.g. valves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7792 Movable deflector or choke
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7834 Valve seat or external sleeve moves to open valve

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. In response to an increase in differential pressure beyond an intermediate threshold level, the valve mechanism operates in a constant flow mode to maintain a desired relatively constant CSF flow rate through the valve. Above a predetermined maximum pressure differential, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a second predetermined maximum pressure differential across the valve. To provide for adjustment of the flow characteristics of the valve in the various modes, the valve stem is provided with multiple adjustment means.

Claims

1. A subcutaneous implantable valve for regulating the flow of fluid from one location in the body to another location, comprising:

a housing including an upper housing portion;

a flexible diaphragm in said housing and dividing the same into first and second interior chambers;

inlet port means for establishing fluid communication between said first interior chamber and the one location;

outlet port means for establishing fluid communication between said second interior chamber and the other location;

a valve seat forming a part of said diaphragm and providing a fluid passageway opening communicating said first interior chamber with said second interior chamber;

said valve seat and diaphragm having a static position within said housing in the absence of a first predetermined pressure differential between said chambers;

a combination valve closure member and valve stem fluid flow restrictor mounted in said upper housing portion and projecting into said first interior chamber in coaxial alignment with said fluid passageway, said restrictor projecting from said valve closure member and at least into close association with said valve seat for control of fluid flow through said fluid passageway opening, whereby in the static condition of said diaphragm said valve seat is in engagement with said valve closure member to establish a first valving mode wherein fluid flow through said fluid passageway is prevented in the absence of said first predetermined pressure differential between said chambers, and whereby in response to a varying pressure differential between said chambers exceeding said first predetermined pressure differential said valve seat is displaceable away from said valve closure member to move along and past said restrictor to successively establish second, third and fourth valving modes wherein fluid flow between said chambers in said second valving mode is sufficient to maintain said first predetermined pressure differential, fluid flow between said chambers in said third valving mode is at a substantially constant rate, and fluid flow between said chambers in said fourth valving mode is sufficient to prevent exceeding a second predetermined pressure differential between said chambers;

said upper housing portion being provided with an opening through which said combination valve closure member and restrictor is advancable and retractable to permit variation in the parameter of at least said first predetermined pressure differential; and

said valve closure member being provided with an opening through which said restrictor is advancable and retractable to permit variation in the parameter of at least said second predetermined pressure differential.

2. A flow regulating valve as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve seat is of annular configuration having a first valving surface which at least in part defines said fluid flow opening;

and

said restrictor is provided with successive second and third valving surfaces which coact with said first valving surface to provide said second, third and fourth valving modes.

3. A flow regulating valve as defined in claim 1 wherein said opening in said upper housing portion and said valve closure member each extend to an accessible surface area of said housing to permit access thereto from the exterior of said housing for combined or independent advancement or retraction of said valve closure member and restrictor.

4. A flow regulating valve as defined in claim 1 wherein said openings are internally threaded with said valve closure member and restrictor received therein being externally threaded for controlled advancement and retraction thereof, each of said openings further extending to an accessible surface area of said housing to permit access thereto from the exterior of said housing for combined or independent advancement or retraction of said valve closure member and restrictor;

and

tool engaging means formed on outer end portions of said valve closure member and restrictor to advance or retract the same.