GAV – njm

GAV^®

Our first gravity-assisted valve

A gravitational valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus in adults

A Combination of Gravitational and Differential Pressure Valve

The GAV^® – gravitation-assisted valve – operates according to the position of the patient’s body and thus offers more protection against overdrainage complications.

Key Features

Gravitational Valve Technology

A gravitational valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus in adults, offering more protection against overdrainage complications due to position-dependent function.

MRI Compatibility

MRT compatible up to 3 Tesla, allowing patients to undergo necessary diagnostic imaging without risk.

Slim Design

Slim, cylindrical design for easy implantation in the retroauricular region, making surgical procedures more straightforward.

How It Works

The GAV is manufactured from a solid and stable titanium housing. The proximal side consists of a Differential pressure unit. A spiral spring controls the valve opening pressure here. The functioning of the gravitational unit on the distal side of the valve is ensured by a tantalum and a sapphire ball. The slim and cylindrical design makes implantation comparatively easy. Due to the integrated gravitational technology it is important to implant the valve parallel to the body axis.

Horizontal Position

As long as the patient is lying down, the intraventricular pressure is controlled exclusively by the Differential pressure unit. The freely movable balls of the gravity unit do not provide any additional resistance when the patient is lying down and automatically keep the flow channel open.

Vertical Position

In the upright position, the gravitational unit is automatically activated when the balls fall down. A higher valve opening pressure is established, since the opening pressures of both valve mechanisms must now be overcome. If the sum of both valve units is exceeded by the increasing intraventricular pressure, the valve opens and thus enables the necessary drainage of the cerebral fluid.

Pressure Level Detection in X-Ray Image

Each preset pressure stage is specially coded and can be recognized post-operatively in imaging. The illustrations show the X-ray images of all available pressure stages of the GAV.