PROGRAMMABLE SHUNT WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL VALVE ACTUATOR

摘要

Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one regi on of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provide d that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system ca n be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generall y be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.