The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 02, 1984
Filed:
Jun. 28, 1982
John B Newkirk, Evergreen, CO (US);
Denver Surgical Developments, Inc., Evergreen, CO (US);
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.