The safety of adjustable valves has become a major concern for neurosurgeons because of the growing use of electromagnetic devices in daily life and the development of high power MRI (3 teslas). Indeed, these devices are liable to modify the selected pressure accidentally, with the risk of disrupting CSF drainage and causing serious complications for the patient.
The Polaris® valve is a major breakthrough for the safety of patients fitted with adjustable valves. Its exclusive locking mechanism enables it to resist:
Direct knocks to the valve;
Everyday magnetic fields;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), up to 3 teslas.
It offers the patient an unequalled security against the clinical risks associated with pressure dysadjustments.
I - Features and benefits of the Polaris valve:
II - Focus on the Polaris® Magnetic Lock:
The Polaris® Magnetic Lock is based on the permanent reciprocal attraction of two mobile micro-magnets of opposite polarity. This “magnetic lock” holds the rotor in the selected position, thus preventing any accidental change in operating pressure if the valve is exposed to magnetic fields. In fact, in the presence of a standard magnetic field (unidirectional) the two micro-magnets are attracted in the same direction. So only one of the two magnets moves in the direction of the field, while the other remains locked. Changing the operating pressure of the valve first requires the simultaneous unlocking of the two micro-magnets in the valve by a specific magnetic key. The rotor can then turn freely on its central axis.
III - Focus on the Direct Pressure Reading:
Direct pressure reading is obtained using the adjustment kit compass: the compass needle is aligned with the position of the magnetic rotor.
IV - Focus on the Unique Special Pressure Range
In addition to the standard model (30-200 mmH2O), Polaris® also offers a UNIQUE SPECIAL PRESSURE RANGE: one low pressure valve (10-140 mmH2O) and two high pressure valves (50-300 and 80-400 mmH2O). Thus a choice is provided, depending on the experience of the practitioner, to meet very specific clinical needs.
The new Polaris® adjustment kit PAK-2 principle, just like the first version, is based on the well-known association compass / magnet initially developed by Sophysa for the first Sophy® valve.
LOCATOR
The locator gives the choice of the pressure range, since it is able to display the 4 pressure ranges available thanks to a rotating ring graduated in mm H2O. Once the pressure range is chosen, it helps localizing the valve under the skin.
COMPASS
The compass has a very unique specification: due to its patented mechanism, it makes it possible to locate the valve center through the skin and thus finetune the positioning of the Locator over the valve. Once the Locator is properly positioned, it allows a precise and reliable reading of the selected pressure.
MAGNET
The Magnet is a true "magnetic key", it makes fast unlocking and precise valve adjustment possible due to the exclusive combination of several powerful magnets.
1. Operating pressure range visible on Locator MUST match valve range.
2. Valve location should determine optimum patient position for adjustment. Having valve horizontal is recommended.
3. Position Locator parallel to valve, with valve seated in center cut-out, and green arrow pointing in direction of CSF flow path, aligning Locator with valve axis.
4. Place Compass within Locator.
5. Adjust Locator orientation, in same horizontal plane as valve, so that Compass needle centers within white target circle, and aligns with current operating pressure setting. Note the valve's current operating pressure setting.
6. Without moving Locator, remove Compass, then insert Magnet, with center line of Magnet aligned with current operating pressure setting.
7. Without moving Locator, quickly slide Magnet, with back and forth motion, along the current operating pressure setting axis. With Magnet again centered inside Locator, turn magnet slowly, just beyond the highest or lowest operating pressure setting, whichever is furthest from the initial operating pressure setting. Without moving Locator, remove Magnet vertically, and place Magnet 0.5 meters away from valve, then insert Compass into Locator. If Locator orientation is accurate, Compass needle aligns exactly with the highest or lowest operating pressure setting, providing a reference point for calibration of the Locator along the valve’s axis. If the Compass needle does not align exactly with the highest or lowest operating pressure setting, re-calibrate Locator, by turning it slightly, in same plane as valve, until the Compass needle does align exactly with the highest or lowest operating pressure setting.
8. Without moving Locator, remove Compass, then re-insert Magnet, with center line of Magnet aligned with current (highest or lowest) operating pressure setting. Without moving Locator, quickly slide Magnet, with back and forth motion, along the current operating pressure setting axis, and, with Magnet once again centered inside Locator, turn Magnet slowly to new operating pressure setting.
9. Without moving Locator, remove Magnet vertically, and place Magnet 0.5 meters away from valve.
10. Without moving Locator, re-insert Compass, confirming that needle is again centered within white target circle, and aligns with new operating pressure setting.
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