Experiences with flow-regulated shunts (Orbis-Sigma valves) in cases of difficulty in managing hydrocephalus in children.
Due to an increasing number of shunt complications with conventional valves, we performed a study of 80 flow-regulated Orbis-Sigma valves implanted in 47 children who had had repeated complications with conventional valves and 33 children receiving their first shunt. The results were encouraging. During the first 5 years after implantation, the probability of absence of any kind of surgical intervention to the valve system was 57% and the probability satisfactory function of the valve itself was 70%. The most frequent complication was underdrainage of CSF, especially in children under the age of 1 year. No cases of CSF overdrainage occurred in this series. The Orbis-Sigma valve appears especially useful for patients unable to tolerate the anti-siphon device, and for patients over 1 year old receiving their first valve for hydrocephalus of non-tumoral and non-haemorrhagic origin.
Serlo
W
W
Department of Paediatrics, University of Oulu, Finland.
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed