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.
Sood
S
S
Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit 48201, USA. ssood@wayne.med.edu
Canady
A I
AI
Ham
S D
SD
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