Correlation of the response of the flushing device to compression with the clinical picture in the evaluation of the functional status of the shunting system.
The functional status of cerebrospinal fluid shunting systems provided with flushing devices has commonly been assessed by the response of the flushing device to digital compression and a review of the clinical status of the patient. In order to study the reliability of the response of the flushing device as an indicator to shunt function, 47 hydrocephalic children with implanted shunts were studied. In 40% of these children, the flushing device was pumping well at the time of shunt obstruction, and in 50% it was not, although the patient's clinical status was perfectly normal. Accordingly, we conclude that the flushing device is a very poor indicator of shunt functioning.
D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008134:Long-Term Care