US20060224102A1 - Subarachnoid epidural shunt - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for shunting fluid to treat hydrocephalous, and in particular for treating normal pressure hydrocephalous, or Alzheimer's, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), or any other condition in which it is necessary to drain and/or cleanse CSF. The methods and devices utilize a shunt having an inlet port, and outlet port, and a flow control component for controlling fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The shunt can be implanted at a location along or within a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, an inlet port of a shunt can be implanted within the subarachnoid space, and an outlet port of a shunt can be implanted at a drainage site. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cerebrospinal fluid is drained into the epidural space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/668,111, filed on Apr. 5, 2005 and entitled “Subarachnoid-Epidural Shunt,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/703,470, filed on Jul. 29, 2005 and entitled “Subarachnoid-Epidural Shunt and Improved CSF Diversion Devices and Methods,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to methods and devices for shunting cerebrospinal fluid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Many conditions benefit from shunting, removal, or cleansing of CSF, including hydrocephalus, pseudotumor cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, IIH), and Alzheimer's disease. Hydrocephalus, for example, is a condition afflicting patients who are unable to regulate cerebrospinal fluid flow through their body's own natural pathways. Produced by the ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is normally absorbed by the body's venous system. In a patient suffering from hydrocephalus, the cerebrospinal fluid is not absorbed in this manner, but instead accumulates in the ventricles of the patient's brain and can lead to serious medical conditions.
• Hydrocephalus exists in two forms: communicating (non-obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by inadequate absorption of CSF when the ventricular pathways are not obstructed; and non-communicating (obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by blockage in the ventricular pathways through which CSF flows. Hydrocephalus can also be either congenital, where the condition is present at birth or detected soon thereafter, or acquired, where the condition is acquired as the result of infection, head trauma, brain tumors, cysts, etc. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of communicating (non-obstructive) hydrocephalous that occurs in adults, usually older adults. The drainage of CSF is blocked gradually, and the excess fluid builds up slowly. With NPH it is believed that the ventricles enlarge to handle the increased volume of the CSF, and the compression of the brain from within by the fluid-filled ventricles destroys or damages brain tissue causing some of the symptoms. Unlike other types of Hydrocephalus that typically result in increased pressure in the head when too much CSF accumulates, NPH shows little to no increased pressure, thus leading to the name “Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.”
• NPH can be treated by draining the excess fluid from the ventricular system to another area of the patient's body, such as the abdomen or vascular system, where it can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. A drainage system, commonly referred to as a shunt, is often used to carry out the transfer of fluid. It consists of a system of catheters with a flow control component to control fluid drainage and prevent back-flow. In order to install the shunt, typically a scalp incision is made and a small hole is drilled in the skull. Current shunts used to treat NPH are inserted surgically so that the upper end is in communication with the ventricular system. Since NPH is non-obstructive, the upper end or proximal catheter of the shunt can be placed either in the ventricles (ventricular catheter) or in the sub-arachnoid space at the level of the lumbar spinal column (lumbar catheter). The lower end or distal catheter of the shunt can lead into the abdomen (ventriculo-peritoneal shunt), wherein it passes into the bloodstream. There are several other body cavities available for distal drainage of a shunt. When shunts were first introduced, a one-way valve drained spinal fluid directly into the right atrium of the heart via the jugular vein (ventriculoatrial shunt). Vascular shunts functioned very well, but they were prone to multiple problems including early and late infection, as well as rare, potentially fatal heart failure due to blockage of blood vessels within the lungs by particles of blood clot flaking off the shunt's catheter tip. The use of the heart has been largely abandoned as an initial choice because of these problems but it remains a viable second option when infection or surgery has rendered the abdominal cavity unaccommodating of the distal shunt catheter. The chest cavity is another cavity which can be used as a backup to the abdominal cavity (ventriculopleural shunt). The catheter is placed inside the rib cage between its inner lining and the outer lining of the lungs. Occasionally, this cavity cannot resorb the CSF rapidly and the lung becomes compressed by the excess CSF resulting in difficulty in breathing. The catheter must be moved to a different cavity is such cases. Rarely, the catheter can rest on the diaphragm (the muscle at the base of the lungs used for breathing), causing irritation and hiccups.
• While shunts were a major medical breakthrough, there are problems that still remain unsolved in the treatment of hydrocephalus, including shunt obstruction, infection, and overdrainage. Shunted NPH only has a success rate of about 50%. These same problems also exist with other conditions which are treated by CSF diversion, such as pseudotumor cerebri.
• Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods and devices for draining CSF to treat hydrocephalous, pseudotumor cerebri (IIH), or any other condition in which it is necessary to drain and/or cleanse CSF, potentially including Alzheimer's Disease.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Methods and devices are provided for shunting fluid, such as CSF. In one embodiment, a shunt device is provided and includes a housing having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. The fluid inlet and outlet ports are spaced a distance apart such that the fluid inlet port can be positioned to receive fluid from a source of cerebrospinal fluid, such as a subarachnoid space of a spinal column, and the fluid outlet port can be positioned to deliver fluid to a body cavity capable of accommodating cerebrospinal fluid drainage, such as an epidural space of a spinal column. The housing can also include a flow control component disposed therein and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and outlet ports for controlling fluid flow from the fluid inlet port to the fluid outlet port.
• The housing can have a variety of configurations, but in one embodiment the housing can include an elongate member extending therefrom and adapted to be disposed within a bone hole. The elongate member can have a variety of configurations, and it can include a first lumen in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port, and optionally a second lumen in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port. The elongate member can include other features, such as an external surface that is adapted to facilitate bone in-growth into the elongate member. For example, the elongate member can include bone-engaging surface features or a surface coating. In other embodiments, the device can also include a sleeve that is removably disposed around the elongate member and that is adapted to be disposed within a bone hole to anchor the elongate member within the bone hole. The sleeve can include a flange formed on a terminal end thereof and adapted to abut against a bone surface. The sleeve can also include a mating element formed on an inner surface thereof and adapted to removably mate to a complementary mating element formed on an outer surface of the elongate member.
• In another embodiment, the housing can include a central portion that is adapted to be disposed within a lumen, and opposed first and second ends that are adapted to be positioned adjacent to opposed ends of the lumen to anchor the central portion within the lumen. The fluid inlet port can be formed in the first end of the housing and the fluid outlet port can be formed in the second end of the housing. The central portion can have a variety of configurations, but in one exemplary embodiment it can have a substantially cylindrical shape that is configured to be disposed within a substantially cylindrical lumen. The flow control component can be disposed within an inner lumen or bore formed in the central portion, or the bore can form the flow control component and it can have a diameter that is effective to control fluid flow therethrough. The first and second ends of the housing can also have a variety of configurations, but in one embodiment the first and second ends of the housing can be expandable.
• In other aspects, a shunt system is provided having a shunt with first and second catheters and a flow control component coupled therebetween for controlling fluid flow from the first catheter to the second catheter. The system also includes a dual-lumen cannula having first and second lumens extending therethrough for respectively receiving the first and second catheters. The first lumen can have an opening that is positioned a distance apart from an opening in the second lumen such that the opening in the first lumen can be positioned to receive fluid from a subarachnoid space in a spinal column and the opening in the second lumen can be positioned to deliver fluid to an epidural space in a spinal column. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the first lumen adjacent to the opening is curved to guide the first catheter into the subarachnoid space, and a portion of the second lumen adjacent to the opening is curved to guide the second catheter into the epidural space.
• Methods for shunting fluid are also provided, and in one embodiment the method can include positioning an inlet port of a shunt to receive fluid from a subarachnoid space in a spinal column, and positioning an outlet port of the shunt to deliver fluid to an epidural space of the spinal column such that fluid is drained from the subarachnoid space into the epidural space. While the shunt can have various configurations, one exemplary shunt includes a flow control component in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports for controlling fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The inlet port can be formed in a terminal end of a first catheter coupled to the flow control component, and the outlet port can be formed in a terminal end of a second catheter coupled to the flow control component. Positioning the inlet port can include forming a hole through a dura mater into the subarachnoid space and positioning at least a portion of the shunt through the hole in the dura mater to position the inlet port to receive fluid from the subarachnoid space, and positioning the outlet port can include forming a bone hole through a lamina into the epidural space and positioning at least a portion of the shunt through the bone hole in the lamina to position the outlet port to deliver fluid to the epidural space. In an exemplary embodiment, the shunt can include an elongate member and the inlet port can extend into a first lumen in the elongate member and the outlet port can extend into a second lumen in the elongate member. The elongate member can be inserted through the bone hole in the lamina. Inserting the elongate member can include threadably mating the elongate member to a sleeve positioned within the bone hole in the lamina. In other embodiments, positioning the inlet and outlet ports can include inserting a dual-lumen cannula through tissue to position an open end of a first lumen of the member within the epidural space, and to position an open end of a second lumen of the member within the subarachnoid space, and inserting a first catheter through the first lumen to position an end of the first catheter within the epidural space, and inserting a second catheter through the second lumen to position an end of the second catheter within the subarachnoid space.
• The method can further include anchoring the flow control component adjacent to the spinal column. For example, the flow control component can be anchored to a vertebra. Exemplary anchoring locations include the spinous process of a vertebra. In other embodiments, the flow control component can be anchored to soft tissues surrounding a vertebra.
• In yet another embodiment, a method of shunting fluid is provided and includes positioning an inlet port of a shunt at a location within a patient's body in which cerebrospinal fluid can flow into the inlet port, and anchoring a flow control component of the shunt to at least one of a vertebra and soft tissue surrounding a vertebra. The flow control component is disposed between the inlet port and an outlet port of the shunt for controlling cerebrospinal fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The method further includes positioning the outlet port of the shunt at a location within the patient's body in which cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the outlet port can be drained. In certain exemplary embodiments, the flow control component can be anchored to a location on a vertebra, such as of a spinous process, a lamina, and a transverse process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1A is a side view of a mid-portion of a human body taken along the sagittal plane;
• FIG. 1B is a top view of a human vertebral body taken along the axial plane;
• FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of a spinal column showing one method for shunting fluid from a subarachnoid space into an epidural space;
• FIG. 3A is a posterior view of adjacent vertebral bodies showing various anchor locations for anchoring a shunt;
• FIG. 3B is a side view of a portion of a spinal column showing various anchor locations for anchoring a shunt;
• FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of a spinal column showing another method for shunting fluid from a subarachnoid space into a drainage site in the body;
• FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of an insertion tool for inserting first and second catheters into the subarachnoid and epidural spaces, respectively;
• FIG. 6 is a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a shunt for shunting fluid from a subarachnoid space into an epidural space;
• FIG. 7 is a top view of another the shunt ofFIG. 6 having another embodiment of a flow control component disposed therein, and being implanted in a lamina of a vertebra to shunt fluid from a subarachnoid space into an epidural space;
• FIG. 8 is a top view of the shunt ofFIG. 6 having a distal, tissue-piercing tip, and being implanted in a lamina of a vertebra to shunt fluid from a subarachnoid space into an epidural space;
• FIG. 9 is a top view of yet another embodiment of a shunt for shunting fluid from a subarachnoid space into another drainage site located in the body, showing the shunt implanted in a lamina of a vertebra;
• FIG. 10A is a top view illustration of a vertebra showing a sleeve implanted in the lamina;
• FIG. 10B is a top view illustration of the vertebra ofFIG. 10A, showing a shunt about to be disposed through the outer sleeve ofFIG. 10A to shunt fluid from the subarachnoid space to the epidural space;
• FIG. 10C is a top view illustration of the vertebra ofFIG. 10B, showing the shunt disposed through the outer sleeve for shunting fluid from the subarachnoid space to the epidural space;
• FIG. 11A is a top view illustration of a vertebra showing a sleeve implanted in the lamina;
• FIG. 11B is a top view illustration of the vertebra ofFIG. 11A, showing an elongate member about to be disposed through the outer sleeve ofFIG. 11A to shunt fluid from the subarachnoid space to the epidural space;
• FIG. 11C is a top view illustration of the vertebra ofFIG. 11B, showing the elongate member through the outer sleeve;
• FIG. 11D is a top view illustration of the vertebra ofFIG. 11C, showing the a shunt housing about to be coupled to the elongate member and sleeve;
• FIG. 11E is a top view illustration of the vertebra ofFIG. 11D, showing the shunt housing coupled to the elongate member and the outer sleeve for shunting fluid from the subarachnoid space to the epidural space;
• FIG. 12 is a side view of a shunt implanted in the epidural space for shunting fluid from the subarachnoid space into the epidural space in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;
• FIG. 13A is a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a shunt having a sleeve disposed therearound; and
• FIG. 13B is a side view of the shunt ofFIG. 13A with the sleeve removing, showing anchor members expanded to anchor the shunt within a bone or tissue hole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
• The present invention provides methods and devices for shunting fluid to treat hydrocephalous, and in particular NPH, or Alzheimer's, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), or any other condition in which it is necessary to drain and/or cleanse CSF. In general, the methods utilize a shunt that includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow control component for controlling fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. Exemplary shunts will be discussed in more detail below. The shunt can be implanted at a location along or within a patient's spinal column.FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate sagittal and axial views of a human spinal column. As shown inFIG. 1A, in an exemplary embodiment a shunt is implanted in the lumbar spine, and more preferably at a mid location, such as the L3, in the lumbar spine. This is desirable to avoid unintentional contact with the spinal cord. The shunt can, however, be implanted at any level of the spine. The subarachnoid space S is shown inFIG. 1B and extends through the spinal canal along the length of the spinal column. The inlet port of a shunt can be implanted adjacent to or within this space, and the outlet port of a shunt can be implanted at a drainage site. While the drainage site can be any body cavity, it is preferably a location at which CSF can be reabsorbed, either directly or indirectly, into the blood stream. For example, CSF can be drained to the peritoneal cavity. In certain exemplary embodiments the fluid is drained into the epidural space E. As shown inFIG. 1B, the epidural space E surrounds the dura mater D, which in turn surrounds the subarachnoid space S. The particular implant location of the flow control component of the shunt can also vary. In one embodiment, the flow control component can be anchored to a vertebra or to soft tissue surrounding the vertebra. In other embodiments, the flow control component can be implanted within the epidural space E or within the dura mater D between the epidural and subarachnoid spaces E, S for shunting fluid from the subarachnoid space S into the epidural space E, as will be discussed below.
• FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of ashunt10 for draining fluid from the subarachnoid space S to the epidural space E. The shunt10 generally includes afirst catheter12 having a terminal end with one or morefluid inlet ports12iformed therein, and asecond catheter14 having a terminal end with one or more fluid outlet ports14oformed therein. Aflow control component16 is coupled between the first andsecond catheters12,14 and it is effective to control fluid flow from thefirst catheter12 to thesecond catheter14, thereby controlling CSF pressure. Virtually any flow control component configuration known in the art can be used, including flow regulating valve pins, differential pressure valves, slit valves, diaphragm valves, ball in cone valves, pin in seat valves, adjustable valves, electronically controlled valves, electronically controlled pump, etc.
• As further shown inFIG. 2, theflow control component16 can be anchored to a vertebra V. The anchor site can be any location on the vertebra V, however exemplary anchor sites are shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B.FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary anchor sites A1, A2 on the transverse processes T, andFIG. 3B illustrates an anchor site A3 on the spinous process SP of the vertebrae V, and anchor site A9 in the vertebral body. In other embodiments, theflow control component16 can be disposed within or anchored to soft tissue surrounding the vertebrae, such as at anchor sites A4, A5 in the ligamentum flavum F, shown inFIG. 3A, or at anchor site A6 in the interspinous ligaments L, shown inFIG. 3B. While the soft tissue or bone may be effective to retain theflow control component16 in place, various techniques can be used to anchor theflow control component16 to a vertebra V or to soft tissue X surrounding a vertebra, including bone screws, sutures, adhesives, etc.
• WhileFIG. 2 illustrates thesecond catheter14 draining fluid to the epidural space E, other drainage sites within the body can be used.FIG. 4 illustrates theshunt10 ofFIG. 2 with thesecond catheter14 extending out of the spinal column to drain fluid into the peritoneum, or other drainage sites such as the atrium or chest cavity. Thesecond catheter14 can extend around the spinal column to allow the outlet port14oon thesecond catheter14 to be implanted at other locations within the body.
• The shunt can also be implanted using a variety of techniques. In one exemplary embodiment, shown inFIG. 2, thefirst catheter12 extends from theflow control component16 through the ligamentum flavum between adjacent vertebra and into or at least adjacent to the subarachnoid space S, and thesecond catheter14 extends from theflow control component16 through the ligamentum flavum between adjacent vertebra and into or at least adjacent to the epidural space E. While thecatheters12,14 can merely be guided through the ligaments using guide wires or other known techniques,FIG. 5 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of atool20 for introducing the first andsecond catheters12,14 into or adjacent to the epidural and subarachnoid spaces E, S. As shown, thetool20 is in the form of a hollow elongate cannula having twolumens22,24 extending therethrough. Thefirst lumen22 has an outlet22othat is positioned proximal to an outlet24oof thesecond lumen24. As a result, when the dual-lumen cannula20 is inserted through the ligament, the outlet22oin thefirst lumen22 can be positioned adjacent to or within the epidural space E, while the outlet24oin thesecond lumen24 can be positioned adjacent to or within the subarachnoid space S. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the distance between the outlet22o,24oof eachlumen22,24 can be adapted to obtain the desired result in use of the device. As further shown inFIG. 5, adistal portion22d,24dof eachlumen22,24 adjacent to the outlet22o,24ocan include features to help guide the catheters into or adjacent to the epidural and subarachnoid spaces E, S. In an exemplary embodiment, theportion22d,24dof each lumen adjacent the outlet22o,24ois curved to turn a catheter inserted therethrough about 90°, thereby directing the catheter such that it will extend axially along the patient's spinal column.
• In other embodiments, rather than anchoring a flow control component to the vertebra or soft tissues and extending catheters into or adjacent to the epidural and subarachnoid spaces E, S, the shunt can be configured to be anchored directly to the lamina, or to be implanted in the epidural space E or in the dura mater D between the epidural and subarachnoid spaces E, S.FIGS. 6-11 illustrate various exemplary embodiments and techniques for implanting a shunt in the lamina, epidural space E, or dura mater D.
• In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, theshunt30 generally includes ahousing32 having anelongate member34 extending therefrom and configured to be disposed through bone. Thehousing32 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, but it is preferably adapted to retain aflow control component36 therein, as will be discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, thehousing32 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape, and theelongate member34 extends from a distal end of thehousing32. Theelongate member34 can have a variety of configurations, shapes, and sizes, and it can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. For example, theelongate member34 can be in the form of a rigid needle or cannula, or a flexible tubular member, such as a catheter. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 theelongate member34 is in the form of a cannula that is adapted to be disposed within a bone hole. Theelongate member34 can be integrally formed with thehousing32, or it can be removably attached to thehousing32. For example, a hub or other attachment mechanism can be formed on a proximal end of theelongate member34 for removably attaching theelongate member34 to thehousing32. Theelongate member34 can also include afirst lumen38 formed therein and having afluid inlet port38i, and asecond lumen39 formed therein and having a fluid outlet port39o. The fluid inlet andoutlet ports38i,39ocan be spaced a distance apart from one another along an axis of the elongate member to allow thefluid inlet port38ito be positioned adjacent to or within the subarachnoid space S, while the fluid outlet port39ois positioned adjacent to or within the epidural space E, as will be explained in more detail below. While various techniques can be used to position the inlet andoutlet ports38i,39oa distance apart from one another, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 thefirst lumen38 extends a distance beyond thesecond lumen39. As a result, the outlet port39oin thesecond lumen39 is proximal of theinlet port38iin thefirst lumen38. As further shown, thefirst lumen38 extends through thesecond lumen39 such that thelumens38,39 are coaxial. Thelumens38,39 can, however, be positioned side-by-side or they can have various other configurations.
• In order to allow fluid to flow through theshunt30, thelumens38,39 can be in fluid communication with aflow control component36 disposed therebetween. As shown inFIG. 6, aflow control component36 is disposed within the proximal portion of thehousing32 and is positioned to control fluid flow from thefirst lumen38 into thesecond lumen39. In particular, thefirst lumen38 extends through theelongate member34 directly to theflow control component36 in thehousing32. The fluid can then flow through theflow control component36 and directly into thesecond lumen39. Theflow control component36 can have virtually any configuration known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, a bellows valve is used to control fluid flow therethrough.FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the shunt ofFIG. 6 having another embodiment of aflow control component36′ in the form of a flow regulating pin for regulating fluid flow through theflow control component36′. Other exemplary flow control component types include, by way of non-limiting example, differential pressure valves, slit valves, diaphragm valves, ball in cone valves, pin in seat valves, adjustable valves, electronically controlled valves, electronically controlled pumps, etc.
• In use, referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, theshunt30 is adapted to be implanted such that theinlet port38iis disposed adjacent to or within the subarachnoid space S and the outlet port39ois disposed adjacent to or within the epidural space E, thereby allowing CSF to flow into thefirst lumen38, through theflow control component36′, into thesecond lumen39, and out of the outlet port39ointo the epidural space E. While theshunt30 can be implanted at various locations to position the inlet andoutlet ports38i,39oat the desired location, in an exemplary embodiment theshunt30 is implanted in the lamina B.FIG. 3A illustrates two anchor sites A7, A8 in the lamina B. Referring back toFIGS. 7 and 8, a bone hole can be formed in the lamina B and theelongate member34 can be inserted therethrough. Various techniques can be used to anchor theshunt30 to the lamina B. For example, the outer surface of theelongate member34 can include threads or other surface features formed thereon and configured to engage the bone surrounding the bone hole. The elongate member can also or alternatively include a surface coating, such as a porous coating or hydroxyapatite. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 6-8, an elongate body or sleeve, such as a cannulatedbolt40, can be implanted in the lamina B for anchoring theshunt30. The cannulatedbolt40 is sized to be disposed within a bone hole, and it can include aflange42 formed on one end thereof and adapted to abut against the bone surface adjacent the bone hole to prevent the cannulatedbolt40 from passing through the bone hole. The cannulatedbolt40 can also include threads formed thereon for threading thebolt40 into the bone hole, or it can be attached to the lamina B using other techniques known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the cannulatedbolt40 is threaded and a bolt applier is used to thread thebolt40 into a bone hole formed in the lamina B. Theelongate member34 can be inserted through the cannulatedbolt40 to position the inlet andoutlet ports38i,39oin or adjacent to the subarachnoid and epidural spaces S, E, respectively. In one exemplary embodiment, theelongate member32 can include a mating element, such as threads, formed thereon for mating to a complementary mating element formed in the inner lumen of the cannulatedbolt40. Such a configuration allows theshunt30 to be removed and/or replaced, if necessary.
• In order to position the inlet andoutlet ports38i,39oin or adjacent to the subarachnoid and epidural spaces S, E, theelongate member34 needs to extend through the dura mater D which is located between the subarachnoid and epidural spaces S, E. In one embodiment, shown inFIG. 7, the distal-most end of theelongate member34 can include a blunt tip34a. Various techniques and devices known in the art can be used to form a puncture hole in the dura mater D and/or to guide the blunt tip34ainto the subarachnoid space S. Alternatively, the distal-most end of theelongate member34 can include a tissue-penetrating tip34t, such as a sharp pointed or spiked tip, formed thereon as shown inFIG. 8. The tip34tcan be used to penetrate through the dura mater D as theshunt30 is being implanted.
• Once theshunt30 is implanted, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, CSF fluid flowing through the subarachnoid space S will flow into theinlet port38iof thefirst lumen38, and out of the outlet port39oin thesecond lumen39 to be delivered directly into the epidural space E, whereby at least some of the CSF can be reabsorbed back into the blood stream. Theflow control component36,36′ will regulate fluid flow through theshunt30, thereby controlling CSF pressure.
• FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment ashunt50 for treating CSF. In this embodiment, theshunt50 is adapted to be implanted in the lamina B to drain CSF from the subarachnoid space S to other locations within the body. In particular, theshunt50 includes ahousing52 having anelongate member54 extending therefrom and adapted to extend into the subarachnoid space S. Thehousing52 is similar to thehousing32 described with respect toFIG. 6, and contains aflow control component56 disposed therein for controlling fluid flow therethrough. Theelongate member54, on the other hand, only includes onelumen58 extending therethrough. Thelumen58 includes an inlet port58iat a distal-most end thereof, and fluid flowing through thelumen58 is delivered to theflow control component56. Rather than having a return lumen for delivering fluid to the epidural space E, an outlet port52ocan be formed in thehousing52 and a catheter60 can be coupled thereto. The catheter60 can deliver fluid from the outlet port52oto another drainage site within the body, such as the peritoneal cavity. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that thehousing52 andelongate member54 can have a variety of other shapes and sizes, and they can be integrally formed with one another or removably matable to one another.
• In use, as with the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, theshunt50 ofFIG. 9 can be implanted in the lamina B by inserting theelongate member54 through a bone hole formed in the lamina B. Theelongate member54 can mate directly to the lamina B, or it can mate to a sleeve, such as a cannulatedbolt40 as previously described, disposed within the bone hole. The distal end of theelongate member54 is configured to extend through the dura mater D, and thus it can be inserted through a pre-formed puncture hole formed in the dura mater D using various techniques known in the art, or it can include a tissue-penetrating tip formed thereon for puncturing through the dura mater D. The catheter60 extending from the outlet port52ocan extend around or between the adjacent vertebrae to be positioned at another drainage site in the body.
• A person skilled in the art will appreciate that particular method of implanting the shunt will vary depending on the particular configuration of the shunt, and whether it includes one, two, or three pieces. For example, referring to theshunt30 ofFIG. 6, thehousing32 andelongate member34 can form a single piece that can be directly implanted in the lamina to shunt fluid. Alternatively, theshunt30 can have a two-piece configuration where thehousing32 andelongate member34 form a first piece and the sleeve, e.g., the cannulatedbolt40, forms the second piece, or where thehousing32 forms the first piece and theelongate member34 forms the second piece. In another embodiment, theshunt30 can have a three piece configuration that includes thehousing32, a separateelongate member34, and a separate sleeve, e.g., the cannulatedbolt40. Accordingly, the method of implanting the shunt will vary depending on the configuration of the shunt. By way of non-limiting example,FIGS. 10A-10C illustrates one exemplary method for implanting a two-piece shunt, andFIGS. 11A-11E illustrate one exemplary method for implanting a three-piece shunt.
• FIGS. 10A illustrates a vertebra, which includes the vertebral body VB, the spinous process SP, the lamina L, and the subarachnoid space S. The epidural space E is the area surrounding the subarachnoid space S. As shown inFIG. 10A, a bore can be formed in the lamina and asleeve110 can be implanted in the bore to form a pathway through the lamina. Ashunt120 having ashunt housing122 containing a flow control component (not shown) and anelongate member124 extending from theshunt housing122 can be inserted into and mated with thesleeve110, as shown inFIGS. 10B and 10C. Theelongate member124 will extend into the subarachnoid space S, allowing CSF to flow into theelongate member124 and into theshunt housing122. The flow control component in theshunt housing122 will redirect the CSF to one or more outlets ports formed in the shunt and positioned within the epidural space E, thereby draining CSF from the subarachnoid space S to the epidural space E.
• FIG. 11A similarly illustrates a vertebra, which includes the vertebral body VB, the spinous process SP, the lamina L, and the subarachnoid space S. The epidural space E is the area surrounding the subarachnoid space S. As shown, a bore can be formed in the lamina and asleeve210 can be implanted in the bore to form a pathway through the lamina. Anelongate member212, such as a cannula or catheter, can be inserted into thesleeve210, as shown inFIGS. 11B and 11C. As a result, theelongate member212 will have a first end extending outside of thesleeve210, and a second end that extends into the subarachnoid space S, allowing CSF to flow into theelongate member212. A third piece in the form of ashunt housing214 having a flow control component therein can then be attached to thesleeve210, as shown inFIGS. 11D and 11E, to receive CSF from theelongate member212 and to redirect the CSF into the epidural space E, thereby draining CSF from the subarachnoid space S to the epidural space E. The CSF can either flow through a second, outlet lumen formed in theelongate member212, it can flow between theelongate member212 and thesleeve210, or it can flow through conduits in the sleeve. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that threads of other mating techniques can be used to mate theshunt housing214 to thesleeve210. Theshunt housing214 can also mate to or engage a proximal end of theelongate member212 to retain theelongate member212 therein.
• As indicated above, in other embodiments a shunt can be implanted within the dura mater D between the subarachnoid and epidural spaces S, E.FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of such ashunt70. As shown, theshunt70 is similar to theshunt50 ofFIG. 9, and includes a housing72 having aflow control component76 disposed therein, and anelongate member74 extending from the housing72 and having alumen78 in fluid communication with theflow control component76. An inlet port74iis formed in the distal end of theelongate member74, and one ormore outlet port72a,72bcan be formed in the housing72. In this embodiment, theelongate member74 is shorter in length than theshunt50 ofFIG. 9 as it only needs to extend through the dura mater D, rather than through the lamina B, epidural space E, and the dura mater D, as with theFIG. 9 embodiment. Theshunt70 also does not include a catheter, as theoutlet ports72a,72bcan release fluid directly into the epidural space E.
• In use, as shown, theshunt70 is implanted within the epidural space E, and theelongate member74 is positioned through the dura mater D such that the inlet port74iis disposed adjacent to or within the subarachnoid space S. As previously explained, various devices known in the art can be used to penetrate through the dura mater D and/or guide theelongate member74 therethrough, or theelongate member74 can include a tissue-penetrating tip formed thereon. In order to anchor theshunt70 within the epidural space E, theelongate member74 can include surface features and/or coatings formed or disposed thereon to prevent removal thereof from the dura mater D, or the housing72 can be attached to the dura mater D using sutures, bone screws, or other mating techniques. Once theshunt70 is implanted, CSF can flow from the subarachnoid space S through theshunt70, where it is released in a controlled manner into or adjacent to the epidural space E.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another embodiment of a shunt that can be implanted within the dura mater D. While the shunt can have a variety of configurations, as shown theshunt80 is in the form of a tubular body having alumen82 extending therethrough between aninlet80iand an outlet80o. Thelumen82 functions as a conduit for fluid to flow from the subarachnoid space S into the epidural space E. Thelumen82 can include a flow control component disposed therein, or thelumen82 can form the flow control component. For example, the lumen can have a diameter that is sized to regulate fluid flow therethrough. A one-way valve, such as a duck-bill valve84, can be formed within thelumen82 for preventing fluid from flow into the subarachnoid space S.
• Theshunt80 can also include an anchor member formed on or coupled each end thereof for anchoring theshunt80 within the dura mater D. The anchor members can have a variety of configurations, but in an exemplary embodiment the anchor members are expandable. For example, each anchor member can be in the form of an expandable balloon. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the anchors members areexpandable rings86,88 that are coupled to and disposed around theshunt80, and that are formed from a shape memory material, such as Nitinol, such that theanchors86,88 are self-expanding. A sleeve, such as acannula90 shown inFIG. 13A, can be disposed around theshunt80 to retain theanchor members86,88 in an initial, unexpanded configuration. Once thesleeve90 is inserted into or through the dura mater D, thesleeve90 can be retracted, or theshunt80 can be pushed out of thesleeve90, to allow theanchor members86,88 to expand, as shown inFIG. 13B. Theshunt80 is positioned such that oneanchor member88 is disposed adjacent to or within the subarachnoid space S and theother anchor member86 is disposed adjacent to or within the epidural space E. As a result, theanchor members86,88 will engage the dura mater D therebetween, thereby anchoring theshunt80 in the dura mater D. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other anchoring techniques can be used, and that in other embodiments the shunt can be configured to be retained within the dura mater D without the use of anchor members. Sutures, adhesive, or other techniques can also or alternatively be used.
• One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims (20)

1. A shunt device, comprising:

a housing having at least a portion configured to be disposed within a bone hole and having a fluid flow pathway formed therethrough and extending between a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port formed in the housing, the fluid inlet and outlet ports being spaced apart from one another such that the fluid inlet port can be located adjacent a source of cerebrospinal fluid and the fluid outlet port can be located adjacent to a body cavity capable of accommodating cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and the fluid flow pathway being configured to control fluid flow between the fluid inlet and outlet ports.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the housing includes an elongate member extending therefrom and adapted to be disposed within a bone hole.

3. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the elongate member is removably mated to the housing.

4. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the fluid inlet and outlet ports are formed in the elongate member.

5. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the fluid flow pathway includes a first lumen extending through the elongate member and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port, and a second lumen extending through the elongate member and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port.

6. The device ofclaim 2, further comprising a sleeve removably disposed around the elongate member and adapted to be disposed within a bone hole to anchor the elongate member within the bone hole.

7. The device ofclaim 6, wherein the sleeve includes a flange formed on a terminal end thereof and adapted to abut against a bone surface.

8. The device ofclaim 6, wherein the sleeve includes a mating element formed on an inner surface thereof and adapted to removably mate to a complementary mating element formed on an outer surface of the elongate member.

9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the housing includes a central portion adapted to be disposed within a bone hole, and opposed first and second ends adapted to be positioned adjacent to opposed ends of the bone hole to anchor the central portion within the bone hole, the fluid inlet port being formed in the first end of the housing and the fluid outlet port being formed in the second end of the housing.

10. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the flow control component comprises a bore extending through the central portion and having a diameter effective to control fluid flow therethrough.

11. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the first and second ends of the housing are expandable.

12. A shunt device, comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be anchored within a bone hole and having a lumen extending therethrough;

a housing having a fluid flow pathway formed therethrough and a flow control component disposed within the fluid flow pathway for controlling fluid flow therethrough, and an elongate member extending from the housing and removably disposed within the lumen in the sleeve, the elongate member include inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the fluid flow pathway in the housing.

13. The shunt device ofclaim 12, wherein the elongate member is removably mated to the housing.

14. The shunt device ofclaim 12, wherein the inlet and outlet ports in the elongate member are spaced axially apart from one another along a length of the elongate member.

15. The shunt device ofclaim 12, wherein the inlet port is formed in a distal end of the elongate member and the elongate member includes a first lumen extending therethrough from the inlet port to the fluid flow pathway in the housing.

16. The shunt device ofclaim 15, wherein the outlet port is formed proximal to the inlet port.

17. A method of shunting fluid, comprising:

positioning an inlet port of a shunt at a location within a patient's body in which cerebrospinal fluid can flow into the inlet port;

anchoring a flow control component of the shunt to a vertebra, the flow control component being disposed between the inlet port and an outlet port of the shunt for controlling cerebrospinal fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port; and

positioning the outlet port of the shunt at a location within the patient's body in which cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the outlet port can be drained.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein anchoring a flow control component comprises implanting a sleeve within a bone hole formed in the vertebra, and inserting an elongate member having the inlet port formed therein into the sleeve such that fluid can flow from the inlet port into a housing coupled to the elongate member and having the flow control component disposed therein.

19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein anchoring a flow control component comprises implanting a sleeve within a bone hole formed in the vertebra, inserting an elongate member having the inlet port formed therein into the sleeve, and coupling a housing having the flow control component disposed therein to the elongate member such that fluid flows from the inlet port in the elongate member into the housing.

20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the flow control component is anchored to a location on a vertebra selected from the group consisting of a spinous process, a lamina, and a transverse process.

Images