Antenatal shunt
US4474569A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 1982 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/145
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An antenatal shunt is provided for implantation in utero to drain blocked fluid cavities within a fetus. The shunt includes a proximal catheter having one or more expandable wing anchors strategically positioned on the catheter, a distal tube having an additional anchor and a retracting tab provided at the free end of the distal tube. A check-valve may be provided in the catheter to allow fluid to flow in only one direction through the shunt. The shunt is sized and arranged to be implanted by means of a hollow surgical needle into the fetus by the use of ultrasonography as a guidance aid. Suitable apertures are provided in the proximal and distal free ends of the shunt to allow the flow of fluid from the fluid cavity in the fetus to the amniotic sac. Expandable anchors are included which are capable of being folded for insertion and movement through the needle during implantation. The arms expand upon release from the needle to provide a secure anchoring arrangement. The antenatal shunts provided in the present invention can be utilized for various fetal abnormalities such as antenatal hydrocephalus or a blocked urinary condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.