Patent ID: 8211051
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A cerebrospinal fluid shunt system comprising: a valve having a longitudinal axis, the valve comprising an electroactive polymer, a ring element, a ball, and a spring, the spring positioned between the ring element and the ball, wherein, when actuated, the electroactive polymer is configured to apply a force to the ring element in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis causing the ring element to slide in the longitudinal direction and thereby provide a force on the ball through the spring; the electroactive polymer being configured as a pressure sensor to detect a pressure differential between an inlet of the valve and an outlet of the valve; an internal control unit configured to transmit the detected pressure differential; and an external control unit configured to receive the transmitted pressure differential; wherein, in response to receiving the pressure differential, the external control unit provides a signal to the electroactive polymer causing the electroactive polymer to modify a force on the ring element to adjust the valve pressure, thereby allowing the valve pressure to be adjusted after the valve has been implanted in a patient.