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Publication Number
US-8177737-B2
Publication Date
2012-05-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to a drainage device comprising: an internal chamber;at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port communicating with the internal chamber;a shutter disposed at least in part in the internal chamber;at least one first valve seat associated with the inlet port, the shutter being capable of bearing against the first seat in order to isolate the inlet port from the outlet port, in particular when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ports is less than a predetermined first opening pressure; andat least one flow constriction associated with the outlet port, the shutter being capable of shutting said constriction, while allowing a minimum, safety flow to pass at a rate that is greater than or equal to 2.5 mL/h even in a maximally-shut position, referred to as a “closed” position, which position is reached in particular for pressure differences between the inlet and outlet ports that are greater than or equal to a predetermined closure pressure.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to a drainage device/system having an internal chamber with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port communicating with the internal chamber. At least one shutter is disposed at least in part in the internal chamber, and at least one first valve seat associated with the inlet port is configured such that the shutter bears against the first seat to isolate the inlet port from the outlet port when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ports is less than a predetermined first opening pressure.
The invention further provides at least one flow constriction associated with the outlet port, where the shutter is configured to shut the constriction while still allowing a minimum safety flow. The minimum safety flow passes at a rate greater than or equal to 2.5 mL/h even in a maximally-shut closed position, which closed position is reached for pressure differences between the inlet and outlet ports that are greater than or equal to a predetermined closure pressure.
In the hydrocephalus drainage system aspect, the invention uses groups of valves with coordinated pressure thresholds to control drainage. A first valve is configured to open at a predetermined first opening pressure and allow fluid to pass, and a second valve closes at a predetermined closure pressure greater than the first opening pressure while allowing a safety minimum flow of at least 2.5 mL/h when closed; fluid can drain through the second valve when a pressure of the fluid lies between the first opening pressure and the closure pressure.
A third valve regulates pressure and opens at a predetermined second opening pressure greater than the closure pressure, with drainage shifting to the third valve when the second valve is closed. Valve interconnection arrangements are specified, including configurations where the first and second valves are series/parallel with respect to the third valve, and arrangements in which multiple valve groups provide staged switching based on pressure thresholds.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provided includes two independent claims. The inventive coverage is organized around coordinated shutter/seat and outlet flow constriction behavior to isolate or shut while permitting a safety minimum flow at a defined closed closure pressure, and staged hydrocephalus drainage using first and second valves plus a third valve based on a hierarchy of first opening, closure, and second opening pressures, with specified valve interconnection arrangements.
Shutter isolating the inlet port below a first opening pressure
An internal chamber with inlet and outlet ports, at least one shutter disposed in the internal chamber, and at least one first valve seat associated with the inlet port where the shutter bears against the first seat to isolate the inlet port from the outlet port when the pressure difference between inlet and outlet ports is less than a predetermined first opening pressure.
Outlet flow constriction closed while maintaining a safety minimum flow at closure pressure
A flow constriction associated with the outlet port where the shutter shuts the constriction while allowing a minimum safety flow to pass at a rate greater than or equal to 2.5 mL/h even in a maximally-shut closed position reached for pressure differences between inlet and outlet ports that are greater than or equal to a predetermined closure pressure.
First and second valves provide intermediate-pressure drainage with safety minimum when closed
A hydrocephalus drainage system including a first valve configured to open at a predetermined first opening pressure and a second valve configured to close at a predetermined closure pressure greater than the first opening pressure while allowing a safety minimum flow of at least 2.5 mL/h when closed, where fluid can drain through the second valve when fluid pressure lies between the first opening pressure and the closure pressure.
Third valve shifts drainage at a higher second opening pressure
A third valve configured to open at a predetermined second opening pressure that is greater than the closure pressure, where drainage shifts to the third valve when the second valve is closed, including series/parallel interconnection arrangements with the first and second valves and staged switching based on pressure thresholds.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive structure is pressure-threshold valve behavior that isolates or closes an outlet while permitting a safety minimum flow of at least 2.5 mL/h at the maximally-shut closed position, and, for hydrocephalus treatment, a staged valve system that transitions drainage from a second valve to a third valve based on a pressure hierarchy of first opening pressure, closure pressure, and second opening pressure with specified interconnection arrangements.
Stated Advantages
Hydrocephalus drainage is not dependent on gravity, atmospheric pressure, or subcutaneous pressure.
Staged pressure regulation is provided for prone versus standing conditions.
Hysteresis is reduced.
Clogging risk is reduced.
Documented Applications
A drainage system for treating hydrocephalus, including valve groups and staged switching of drainage based on pressure thresholds.
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