Abstract A method for the transfer of body fluid which accumulates in the peritoneal cavity into the vascular system is disclosed. This accumulation occurs most frequently with patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and constitutes a lethal complication. An implant device is disclosed which comprises a plastic chamber and connecting tubing, said chamber containing unique valve structure comprising a flexible diaphragm seated on a shoulder and attached to this diaphragm a connector bar which is attached at its other end to the center plate of a structure composed of several lateral silicone rubber struts which radiate out from the center plate to connect to a circular peripheral ring. The circular peripheral ring is anchored fixedly to the lateral wall of the valve housing by compression between two threaded connectors of plastic also. These rubber struts place pressure constantly on the diaphragm pulling it toward the shoulder which closes the valve. The diaphragm member is thus fixed to the side wall of the valve housing by the elastomeric strut members. The seat of the diaphragm valve is adjustable and hence it can control the fluid pressure required to open the valve.
I claim a method for the transfer of body fluids which accumulates in the peritoneum cavity and into the vascular system which comprises passing fluid through a connecting tube into the inlet chamber of a hollow plastic implanted valve, causing that valve to open and passing the fluid under pressure into a second reservoir from where the fluid is conducted through a second section of tubing which tubing is connected to the jugular vein of the patient.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A device for use in the method of claim 1 which comprises a plastic housing having connected on opposing surfaces, thereof an inlet tube and an outlet tube respectively said inlet tube opening on one end into the peritoneum and on the other end into an inlet reservoir located within said housing, said reservoir having a pressure movable wall which comprises a flexible diaphragm which rests against a valve seat and which diaphragm moves away from said valve seat in response to pressure exerted thereon to permit flow of the body fluid from the peritoneum through the valve housing and into the outlet tube and jugular vein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said pressure movable wall comprises the shape of an inverted cup and said cup is connected to a permanently attached valve support member.