Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus (10) is provided that can include an implantable shunt system (12) and a system controller (18). The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve (14) for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element (20) for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator (16) that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device (22) that is in communication with the system controller.
