The ReFlow™ Ventricular System is comprised of a subcutaneous “Flusher” component and a Ventricular Catheter with an additional, ‘relief membrane’ backup feature in a section of the catheter at the proximal end.
The ReFlow™ Ventricular System is comprised of a subcutaneous “Flusher” component and a Ventricular Catheter with an additional, ‘relief membrane’ backup feature in a section of the catheter at the proximal end.
The ReFlow™ Flusher, located under the scalp as with a CSF shunt regulator valve, will be connected directly to the Ventricular Catheter at the proximal barb and connected to a shunt regulating valve (not included) at the distal end. The ReFlow™ Ventricular System is designed to work with valves (programmable and non-programmable) and abdominal catheters of any make or model.
The Flusher component is designed to provide a non-surgical means to restore or increase CSF flow in a non-flowing shunt. In the case of completely obstructed flow through the ventricular catheter, it provides a non-invasive means to open the relief membrane in the catheter designed to restore flow through the shunt.
The Reflow™ Flusher is a reservoir system encased in flexible silicone housing and is compatible with any commercial flow regulator CSF shunt valve and peritoneal catheter. The Reflow™ Flusher itself does not regulate flow of the shunt system. During passive flow, fluid from the Ventricular Catheter flows freely, without restriction through the passive flow channel of the Flusher. For instruction on pressure and flow regulation, refer to the IFU that is provided with the flow regulating shunt valve.
During flushing, the passive channel is manually occluded to create temporary one-way flow into the Ventricular Catheter. After the controlled and limited retrograde pulse is sent from the flusher and the dome is released, the Flusher dome refills with CSF from the Ventricular Catheter and resumes free flowing fluid through the passive flow channel.
In the case of completely obstructed flow through the Ventricular Catheter, the Reflow™ Ventricular System offers a qualified neurosurgeon a non-invasive means to flush the Ventricular Catheter. At the neurosurgeon’s discretion, retrograde flushing of the Ventricular Catheter can be performed by depression of the flush dome, which sends a controlled and limited retrograde pulse of fluid (CSF, or sterile saline introduced from priming procedure before implant) into the ventricular catheter to resume flow by potentially opening suspected blocked inflow holes or, for cases with severe occlusion, open the relief membrane of the Reflow™ Ventricular Catheter to make a new drainage hole and to restore antigrade flow in the shunt system. The Reflow™ Membrane is a part of the proximal area of the catheter, and it is kept intact during implantation.
We are actively pursuing synergistic technologies that will form the future of shunt systems. It is our goal to unite researchers, clinicians, and patients in an effort to realize a new level of treatment and peace of mind for those suffering from Hydrocephalus.