Adjustable shunts with improved flow control and associated systems and methods
AssigneeShifamed Holdings, LLC
InventorsDavid Batten, Tessa Bronez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present technology is generally directed to adjustable shunting systems, including adjustable shunting systems with improved flow control. For example, the adjustable shunting systems described herein can include an aperture formed within a flexible membrane extending over a well or other empty space. The flexible membrane can at least partially flex into the well or empty space to improve a seal at the aperture.
Claims23
An adjustable shunting system for shunting fluid from a first body region to a second body region within a patient, the system comprising:
- a channel extending along an axial length of the adjustable shunting system, the channel providing a fluid flow path through the adjustable shunting system when the adjustable shunting system is implanted in the patient;
- a well fluidly coupled to an end region of the channel, wherein the well has a first cross-sectional area;
- a membrane extending over the well, wherein the membrane includes an aperture extending therethrough and configured to permit fluid to flow into the well, wherein the aperture has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area such that the membrane at least partially overlaps the well;
- and
- an actuator having a sealing element configured to selectively control the flow of fluid through the aperture,
- wherein—
- the membrane is positioned between the well and the actuator,
- the sealing element is moveable between (a) a first position in which the sealing element does not overlap with the well and does not cover the aperture, and (b) a second position in which the sealing element overlaps with the well and at least partially covers the aperture, and
- when the sealing element is in the second position, the membrane is configured to flex at least partially into the well.
A method of controlling fluid flow through an implantable adjustable shunting system having an actuator carrying a sealing element, the method comprising:
- actuating the actuator to move the sealing element toward an aperture in a membrane,
- wherein the aperture has a first cross-sectional area and extends over a well having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area such that the membrane at least partially covers the well, and
- wherein, as the sealing element moves toward the aperture, the sealing element deflects the membrane at least partially into the well.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.