Implantable shunt devices and methods for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space include a shunt having opposed first and second ends, the second end being constructed to penetrate a wall of a sigmoid, transverse, straight, or sagittal sinus of the patient, a one-way valve, a hollow passageway extending between the second end and the one-way valve such that cerebrospinal fluid can be drained through the second end and out through the valve, and a mechanism coupled to the shunt and configured to anchor the shunt at a desired location proximal to the subarachnoid space.

A method for delivering drugs into cystic fluid, the method comprising injecting a drug delivery system (DDS) into a cystic fluid space at an injection site, the DDS comprising at least one therapeutic agent encapsulated in biodegradable polymers, applying ultrasonic energy proximal to the injection site, and controlling the at least one of buoyancy, delivery location, mixing, and dispersion of the DDS to a targeted area using the ultrasonic energy.

A locator as part of a toolkit for locating an implanted valve. The locator is used in concert with an indicator that nests therein. The locator has a lower ring with a contact surface, contacting a patient, a key positioning the nested indicator to prevent rotation, and a lower ring joint opposite the contact surface. Also included is an upper ring with an upper ring joint rotatingly interfacing with the lower ring joint, a flow direction identifier, and a flow setting identifier. Further, the upper and the lower rings rotate relative to each other, and the lower ring is floor-less.

Brain drainage device having a rod-shaped hollow body (10) with an inner drainage channel (11) for insertion through the cranium into the brain, a first sensor arrangement (20) with at least one sensor (21, 22, 23, 24) for measuring a physical parameter, and a signal interface; wherein the rod-shaped hollow body has a first region A which, in the applied state, is designed to protrude into the ventricle situated in the brain; wherein the rod-shaped hollow body has a second region B, which is arranged proximally from the first region, wherein the second region is designed to lie in the region of the brain mass in the applied state; wherein the first sensor arrangement is arranged in the second region in order to measure a physical parameter of the brain mass; wherein the first sensor arrangement is connected to the signal interface such that measurement data determined by the first sensor arrangement are transmitted to a measuring system that is to be connected.

In some aspects, catheter devices can include: a reinforcing member having a proximal and distal ends, the reinforcing member comprising: discrete longitudinally arranged structural regions between the proximal and distal ends comprising: a first, proximal, structural region defining a first series of wall perforations that generate structural properties within the first structural region, the first series of wall perforations setting a first stiffness of the first structural region; and a second structural region, disposed distally relative to the first structural region, defining a second series of wall perforations that generate structural properties within the second structural region, the second series of wall perforations setting a second stiffness of the second structural region, which is less than the first stiffness, wherein the second series of wall perforations differs from the first series of wall perforations by at least one of: cut balance, cut frequency, or pitch.

A blood clot removal device for removing blood clots from the vascular system of a patient is implantable in the patient's body. The blood clot removal device comprises a blood flow passageway to be connected to the patient's vascular system to allow circulation of the patient's blood through the blood flow passageway, a filter provided in the blood flow passageway for collecting blood clots occurring in the blood flowing through the blood flow passageway, and a cleaning device for moving blood clots collected by the filter out of the blood flow passageway. By means of such blood clot removal device, the risk of blood clots reaching sensitive areas of the patient's body, such as the brain, is reduced.

A method for influencing cerebral perfusion in a patient by modifying a volume of a volume adaptor introduced into a cerebral ventricle of the patient, the method comprising identifying a timing of a cerebral blood inflow and/or outflow in a cardiac activity of the patient, modifying a volume of the volume adaptor in synchronization to the identified timing of the cerebral blood flow, to an amount sufficient to modify an intracranial pressure in the cerebral ventricle, such that a flow of the cerebral blood flow is enhanced. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the inflation duration of the volume adapter is short relative to the cardiac cycle.

Systems and methods for systems and methods for focal cooling of the brain and spinal cord are disclosed. Some embodiments may be directed to a neuroprotection system that includes a cerebrospinal fluid processing platform. Embodiments may provide rapid and selective spinal cord hypothermia and drainage. Embodiments may be tailored to selective spinal cord cooling, pressure monitoring and automated drainage. Embodiments may enable local hypothermic neuroprotection, limit the stress of systemic cooling, minimize secondary neuronal damage and achieve maximal neuroprotection while at the same time improving workflow as a result of automated drainage. Embodiments may include a multi-lumen catheter, a drainage collection reservoir bag, a pump to circulate coolant, sensor hardware and controllers to modulate the flow of a heat transfer fluid for cooling to modulate therapeutic hypothermia and re-warming. Certain embodiments may include extracorporeal cooling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Certain embodiments may include circulating heat transfer fluid within a CSF-containing space near the brain or spinal cord using a catheter. Particular methods may be used to determine the length and amount of cooling.

An adjustable hydrocephalus valve is used for pressure equalization of the cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium of a hydrocephalus patient. The adjustable hydrocephalus valve is implantable in a patient. The valve controls drainage of excess cerebrospinal fluid. The valve has an inlet, an outlet, and a housing through which cerebrospinal fluid flows between the inlet and the outlet. The valve also has a spring, an adjusting mechanism, and at least one rotatable part, which are disposed in the housing.

The present invention provides methods and systems for conditioning cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by removing target compounds from CSF. The systems provide for a catheter flow path and exchange of a majority volume portion of CSF in the CSF space. The removal and/or delivery of specific compounds can be tailored to the pathology of the specific disease. The removal is targeted and specific, for example, through the use of specific size-exclusion thresholds, antibodies against specific toxins, and other chromatographic techniques, as well as delivery and/or removal of targeted therapeutic agents.