Adjustable antisiphon shunt.
Overdrainage from siphoning, a result of negative distal pressure, has been a major problem with the existing differential pressure shunt devices. The antisiphon/siphon control devices used to reduce siphoning often malfunction owing to fibrous scar formation around the valve. Similarly, the functioning of gravity-actuated systems is adversely affected by body movements. Constant flow shunt systems may not be superior to existing differential pressure valves, as has been shown in a recent multicenter study. In view of these difficulties, we investigated the possibility of developing a shunt valve based on the Starling resistor concept of flow regulation that allows proximal pressure-dependent and distal pressure-independent flow. The valve designed is capable of proximal pressure-dependent and distal pressure-independent flow. The valve allows for adjustable negative pressure in the vertical position.
Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit 48201, USA. ssood@wayne.med.edu
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D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003187:Compliance; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery*; D011312:Pressure; D012212:Rheology