Patent attributes
A subcutaneous drain, preferably for implantation into the skull of a patient comprises a basically hollow cap and a stem with an inside, central passageway passing from top of the cap through the stem. A lumen is provided through at least a portion of the inside, central passageway with the lumen preferably exiting the cap through a side slit in the cap and stem. The lumen is provided with a supporting ledge to reduce kinkage and promote an unimpeded fluid path. The side slit is resilient to allow for the selective removal of the lumen. The cap and stem are, as mentioned, substantially hollow and defines a chamber in communication with the subdural space, so that with the device in place, a physician can use a hypodermic needle to gain access to fluid in the subdural space by piercing the needle tip of the hypodermic syringe or needle through the thin wall of the cap of the device. A circumferential flange is provided to facilitate location of the device. Also, the stem is slightly inwardly tapered.
