Contributor(s)

Kowalski, Gregory

Abstract

We designed an improved shunt valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus. With this new valve, the surgeon can independently control the opening pressure of the valve and the siphoning effects. In the chosen ball diaphragm valve design, a spring-loaded ball obstructs the flow until the proximal pressure rises above the pressure setting. Changes in the distal pressure act on a pressure sensitive surface to vary the opening pressure applied to the ball. A control equation mathematically describes the behavior of the valve and relates design parameters to the desired siphon control ratio and the principal pressure setting. The geometry and dimensions of the individual components were determined with the control equation and other mathematical analyses. This analysis demonstrated that our design is feasible and effective. Design and construction of a scaled-up, proof of concept prototype has been completed. Testing has been carried out to demonstrate that our design addresses the problems of adjustable siphon control and programmability in a single valve.

Notes

Capstone Design Course MIM 1501-1502, Technical Design Report, Spring quarter final report

Keywords

shunt valve, hydrocephalus, siphon control

Publisher

Northeastern University

Publication Date

8-27-2007

Rights Holder

Northeastern University, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Permanent URL

http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d10010567


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