IMPLANTABLE INTRACRANIAL PULSE PRESSURE MODULATOR AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE OF SAME

摘要

An implantable intracranial pulse pressure modulator for treating hydrocephalus in patients of all ages is disclosed as well as a system (100) and method for use of the same. In one embodiment of the implantable intracranial pulse pressure modulator, two one-way valves (16, 18) are interposed in parallel, opposing orientations between a vestibule (14) and a chamber (24). One of the one-way valves (16), in response to systole, provides fluid communication from the vestibule (14) to the chamber (24) such that a small aliquot of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is displaced from a cerebral ventricle into a ventricular catheter (30), thereby reducing intraventricular systolic pressure. The other one-way valve (18), in response to diastole, provides fluid communication from the chamber (24) to the vestibule (14) such that the same volume of CSF is reintroduced into a cerebral ventricle, thereby increasing intraventricular diastolic pressure. Together, both processes work synergistically to reduce intraventricular pulse pressure in order to treat hydrocephalus.