Protein adsorption to hydrocephalus shunt catheters: CSF protein adsorption.
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.
Brydon
H L
HL
Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
Keir
G
G
Thompson
E J
EJ
Bayston
R
R
Hayward
R
R
Harkness
W
W
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
D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin