MR-compatible fluid valve

Abstract

An implantable fluid valve for the adjustable limitation of the fluid pressure in the brain of a patient has all valve component parts composed of non-magnetic material, thereby making the valve MR-compatible.

1 . An implantable fluid valve comprising: 
 a plurality of valve parts including an inlet adapted to receive cerebrospinal fluid and an outlet adapted to discharge cerebrospinal fluid and adjustable components disposed in a pathway between said inlet and said outlet for adjusting fluid flow through said pathway;    said plurality of valve parts comprising a pushbutton mechanism, separate from said adjustable components, having pushbuttons which interact with said adjustable components to adjust said adjustable components, said pushbuttons being adapted for subcutaneous actuation by externally applied pressure; and    all of said plurality of valve parts being composed of an MR-compatible material.    
   
   
       2 . A fluid valve as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said adjustable components include first and second relatively adjustable components, and further comprising reference markers disposed on said relatively adjustable components which are visible using a diagnostic imaging system.  
   
   
       3 . A fluid valve as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said reference markers comprise hollow members filled with an MR-visible fluid.  
   
   
       4 . A fluid valve as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said MR- compatible non-magnetic metallic material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, brass, titanium CrNiMo steel, and combinations of aluminum, brass, titanium and CrNiMo steel.  
   
   
       5 . A fluid valve as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said unlocking element is an unlocking pushbutton.