Tool for adjusting an implantable adjustable fluid flow control valve
US8622978B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2209/04
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Tools for determining and adjusting the setting of an adjustable valve are disclosed. These tools allow a medical professional to locate and non-invasively determine the setting of an implanted valve. After the valve has been located and the setting of the valve determined, the valve may be re-adjusted non-invasively. There are three tools: a locator tool, an indicator tool and an adjustment tool. The locator tool allows the physician to locate the adjustable valve of interest and align the locator tool with a specific orientation of the valve. The indicator tool indicates the current setting of the adjustable valve and confirms new settings of the valve after the new settings have been implemented. The adjustment tool interacts magnetically with the implanted adjustable valve to couple with a movable internal element to change the setting of the valve. The indicator tool and the adjustment tool physically cooperate with the locator tool to accomplish the respective functions of the tools.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.