Importance

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Abstract

An implantable valve for allowing the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) form a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a plurality of fluid flow pressure differential responsive valves arranged in parallel relationship and having common inlet and outlet means, a portion of said inlet and outlet means imparting fluid flow restriction to the system in conjunction with the operation of at least one of said valves, the system being in pressure communication with the drainage location of the body and the ventricular spaces of the brain. When the pressure differential is relatively small, the system operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a first predetermined pressure differential across the system. In response to a sudden increase in differential pressure, the system operates in a constant flow mode to maintain a desired relatively constant CSF flow rate through the system. Above a predetermined pressure differential, the system operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a second predetermined maximum pressure differential across the system.

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First Claim