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Abstract

In a cerebrospinal fluid shunt including a flow control device forming a portion of a fluid conduit, a capacitive element is provided for reducing overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid due to the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow. The capacitive element includes a reservoir having a base and a housing for the base which cooperatively define a fluid flow pathway through the reservoir. A pair of spaced, substantially parallel, flexible diaphragms form opposite sides of the housing such that each flexible diaphragm has an outer surface which forms an exterior surface of the reservoir, and an inner surface in contact with and subject to pressure variations of cerebrospinal fluid within the reservoir. A raised ring surrounds each diaphragm and forms a recess in which the respective diaphragm is positioned. The capacitive element accommodates the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow between a cerebrospinal fluid source and the flow control valve by varying the fluid capacity of the reservoir.

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First Claim