title: Protein adsorption to hydrocephalus shunt catheters: CSF protein adsorption.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the quantity and nature of the proteins that adsorb to hydrocephalus shunt catheters after implantation, and to determine whether sufficient could accumulate to obstruct the catheter.
  
  
  METHODS
  Elution of proteins from 102 explanted shunt catheters, with protein assay and electrophoresis of the eluate, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the catheters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The amount of protein elutable was extremely low, and significant protein, apart from a thin film, was not found on SEM. Qualitative analysis disclosed that most of the adsorbed protein was albumin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Protein deposition on hydrocephalus catheters does not occur in sufficient quantities to cause catheter obstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Brydon
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Keir
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bayston
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hayward
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Harkness
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D001797:Blood Protein Electrophoresis; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000737:chemistry; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000295:instrumentation
chemical_list: D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin