Method of controlling the flow of bodily fluid

US8603057B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Integra LifeSciences Corporation · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Brian Hoffman · Princeton, US
• Michael McDermott · Pittsburgh, US
• William R. Chang · Colonia, US
• Eric Scott Clasen · Fryeburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 16, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 10, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/3109
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.