Methods and devices for locating and adjusting an implantable valve
AssigneeIntegra Lifesciences Switzerland SàRl
InventorsBrian Soares, Alyssa Trigger, Alan Dextradeur
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided that allow a physician to consistently and reliably locate an implantable, magnetically settable valve (valve) and to determine and/or change (adjust) a setting of the valve from a current setting to a target setting without interference from the valve and/or patient's skin. In particular, various locator tools are provided that include a housing having a deck extending thereacross that is formed at least in part of a material which is moveable to accommodate a protrusion of a hydrocephalus valve beneath skin.
Claims20
A locator tool for locating a valve implanted beneath skin, comprising:
- an annular base member having a proximal end and a distal end that is configured to be placed on a skin surface above a valve implanted beneath the skin surface;
- and
- a deck supported across the base member and having at least a portion formed of a material through which at least one of visual and tactile access is obtainable, the material being movable to accommodate a valve protrusion in a skin surface on which the base member is configured to be placed, wherein the material comprises an elastic material which is movable deforming around a protrusion of skin.
A locator tool for locating a valve implanted beneath skin, comprising:
- an annular base member having a proximal end and a distal end that is configured to be placed on a skin surface above a valve implanted beneath the skin surface;
- and
- a deck supported across the base member and having at least a portion formed of a material through which at least one of visual and tactile access is obtainable, the material being movable to accommodate a valve protrusion in a skin surface on which the base member is configured to be placed, wherein the deck includes a rigid portion extending across the base member and having a valve cut-out formed therein, the material extending across the valve cut-out.
A locator tool for locating a valve implanted beneath skin, comprising:
- an annular base member having a proximal end and a distal end that is configured to be placed on a skin surface above a valve implanted beneath the skin surface;
- and
- a deck supported across the base member and having at least a portion formed of a material through which at least one of visual and tactile access is obtainable the material being movable to accommodate a valve protrusion in a skin surface on which the base member is configured to be placed, wherein the material of the deck comprises a non-elastic material, and wherein the non-elastic material is movable between a taut configuration and an untaut configuration in which the material can move around a protrusion of skin.
A kit for locating and adjusting a valve implanted beneath a skin surface, comprising:
- a locator tool having
- an annular base member configured to be placed on a skin surface above a valve implanted beneath the skin surface, and
- a deck supported across the base member and having at least a portion formed of a material through which at least one of visual and tactile access is obtainable, the material being movable to accommodate a valve protrusion in a skin surface on which the base member is configured to be placed, wherein the deck includes a rigid portion having a valve cut-out formed therein, and wherein the material extends across the valve cut-out;
- an indicator tool removably disposable within the locator tool and configured to indicate a setting of a valve;
- and
- an adjustment tool removably disposable within the locator tool and configured to adjust a setting of a valve.
A method of locating a valve implanted beneath skin, comprising:
- positioning a base member of a locator tool on a skin surface above a valve implanted beneath the skin surface, at least a portion of a deck of the locator tool supported across the base member moving relative to the base member to accommodate a protrusion of skin around the valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.