PETER JOSEPH JANNETTA
Medical Practice in Pittsburgh, PA

5589183, Dec 31, 1996

Oct 5, 1995

8/539341

Peter J. Jannetta - Pittsburgh PA

A61F 202

424423

A method and implants provide for relieving pressure from a region of the brainstem within the cranium of a subject with a neuroendocrine servomechanism. The pressure results from the compression of the region by a blood vessel. The method includes gaining access to the region using a first surgical technique; exposing the region according to a second surgical technique; lifting the blood vessel from the region according to a third surgical technique, thereby providing the pressure relief; and inserting a neurovascular bridge implant between the blood vessel and the region to maintain the pressure relief. The neuroendocrine servomechanism is responsive to the pressure relief on the region, causing amelioration of a disease. One neuroendocrine servomechanism can include the pancreas of the subject, and the pressure relief ameliorates non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The neurovascular bridge implant can be a preconfigured shredded plastic implant, made of polytetrafluoroethylene, or a preconfigured thermoplastic implant, made of a polyurethane-based material having a glass-transition temperature of between 20. degree. C. to 60. degree. C.