Patent ID: 9138568
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for detecting the degree of occlusion in an implanted cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt having a shunt valve in symptomatic or asymptomatic, said apparatus comprising: a pad that is adapted to be placed against the skin of a patient over the location of the CSF shunt, said pad comprising a plurality of temperature sensors that are aligned in a first direction and wherein one of said plurality of temperature sensors is aligned with the CSF shunt, each of said temperature sensors generating respective temperature data; a vibrating device that applies pulsation energy against the shunt valve for a predetermined period when said vibrating device is positioned against the skin over said shunt valve; and a sensor processing device that is electrically coupled to said pad for receiving temperature data from each of said temperature sensors, said sensor processing device using said temperature data to determine the degree of occlusion of said CSF shunt when a temperature source is applied to said pad for said predetermined period of time.