Adjustable shunting systems with wax actuators and associated systems, devices, and methods

A flow control assembly for an adjustable shunting system for treating a patient, the flow control assembly comprising:

• an actuation assembly including a wax actuator, wherein the wax actuator is configured to transition the actuation assembly between a first configuration and a second configuration;
• a channel including a sealing surface;
• and
• a diaphragm positioned at least partially between the actuation assembly and the sealing surface and operably coupled to the actuation assembly;
• wherein
• when the actuation assembly is in the first configuration, the diaphragm forms a seal with the sealing surface;
• and
• when the actuation assembly is in the second configuration, the diaphragm is deflected away from the sealing surface.

An adjustable shunting system for treating a patient, the adjustable shunting system comprising:

• a body having a first end portion and a second end portion;
• a flow path through the body, wherein the flow path is defined at least partially by an inlet positioned proximate the first end portion and an outlet positioned proximate the second end portion;
• and
• a flow control assembly fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet, wherein
• the flow control assembly includes a wax actuator operably coupled to a diaphragm, and
• the flow control assembly is transitionable between (i) a first configuration in which the wax actuator bends the diaphragm in a first direction to at least partially prevent fluid from flowing through a portion of the flow path, and (ii) a second configuration in which the wax actuator bends the diaphragm in a second direction opposite the first direction to allow fluid to flow through a portion of the flow path.

A method for selectively controlling fluid flow through a shunting system, the method comprising:

• applying energy to an actuation component of an actuation assembly of the shunting system;
• transitioning a wax actuator of the actuation assembly from a first material phase to a second material phase;
• and
• moving a diaphragm of the actuation assembly from (i) a first position in which the diaphragm at least partially blocks flow through a channel of the shunting system, to (ii) a second position in which the diaphragm permits flow through the channel.