×

Multiple-membrane flow control valve and implantable shunt system

  • US 4,867,740 A
  • Filed: 03/24/1988
  • Issued: 09/19/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A surgically implantable shunt system, comprising:

  • antechamber means for injecting medication into the shunt system; and

    a flow control valve for controlling the flow of fluid from one portion of the human body to another, the valve including;

    an inlet in closed communication with the antechamber means, the inlet including an inlet connector,an outlet including an outlet connector,a first base adjacent to the inlet, the first base including an inlet fluid passageway therethrough and a first valve seat surrounding a portion of the inlet fluid passageway, wherein at least a portion of the first base is integrally formed with the inlet connector,a first flow control member including a central support and a resilient first membrane, the central support being attached to the first base and extending therefrom to support the first membrane, the first membrane being arch-shaped so that the outer edges of the first membrane contact the first valve seat,a second base adjacent to the outlet, the second base including an outlet fluid passageway therethrough and a second valve seat surrounding a portion of the outlet fluid passageway, wherein at least a portion of the second base is integrally formed with the outlet connector, the outlet connector and the portion of the second base integrally formed therewith cooperatively defining a relatively rigid protective outlet chamber.a second flow control member including a central support and a resilient second membrane, the central support being attached to the second base and extending therefrom to support the second membrane within the outlet chamber, the second membrane being generally arch-shaped so that the outer edges of the second membrane contact the second valve seat, anda flexible encasement generally surrounding the first and second bases, wherein the encasement is deformable by external pressure to facilitate manual flushing of the valve, and defines an intermediate fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet fluid passageways.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×