title: Do we need variable pressure shunts?
abstract: We describe our experience using a variable pressure cerebrospinal fluid shunting system, over a period of 5 years. These valves appear to be reliable and have the advantage of allowing pressure setting adjustments to be made in the out-patient clinic. An analysis of the cost-effectiveness of this system, allowing for materials, theatre time and hospital stay, suggests that over pounds 21,000 was saved, by avoiding shunt revision procedures, over this period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Sutcliffe
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Battersby
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D012086:Reoperation