US 4,382,445 AGranted

Physiological fluid shunt system and improvements therefor

AssigneeCosmos Research Associates

InventorMichael W. Sommers

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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.

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.

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Facts

Application

06/212,987Filed 4 Dec 1980

Granted

10 May 1983

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

A61M 25/0075
Dynamic characteristics of the catheter tip, e.g. openable, closable, expandable or deformable: valve means
A61M 25/02
Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters: holding devices, e.g. on the body
A61M 25/06
Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters: body-piercing guide needles or the like
A61M 27/006
Implant devices for drainage of body fluids from one part of the body to another: cerebrospinal drainage; Accessories therefor, e.g. valves

Abstract

Claims4