Joseph R. Madsen;Matias Gabriel Hochman;Mark Evan Mattiucci;Frederick J. Fritz;Marek Swoboda
发明人:
Marek Swoboda,Matias Gabriel Hochman,Mark Evan Mattiucci,Frederick J. Fritz,Joseph R. Madsen
申请号：
US13698477
公开号：
US09138568B2
申请日:
2011.05.19
申请国别(地区):
US
年份:
2015
代理人:
摘要：
An apparatus capable of generating flow in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems by vibrating the shunt, tubing or shunt valve dome, or applying cyclical pressure to the various parts of the shunt system. A method of generating flow and method of using the apparatus in shunt patency assessment, for example, hydraulic resistance assessment, is also disclosed. The apparatus allows, in conjunction with a thermal dilution method or radionuclide method, a quick CSF shunt patency assessment based upon CSF shunt resistance and not upon CSF flow or intracranial pressure (ICP) separately. This provides a more objective measure of shunt obstruction compared to other methods. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used to enhance flow in shunts, identify partial occlusion before symptoms occur, differentiate between patent, partially-occluded and occluded shunts. The apparatus can be used to generate flow in shunts if there is a need to lower ICP or move drugs administered via an injection chamber or a shunt dome.
