title: In vitro hydrodynamic properties of the Miethke ProGAV hydrocephalus shunt.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adjustable shunts are very popular in the management of hydrocephalus and are believed to help in minimizing the number of surgical revisions. The drawback with almost all constructions is that they may be accidentally readjusted in relatively weak magnetic fields (around 30-40 mTesla)
  
  
  METHODS
  The ProGav Miethke shunt is composed of an adjustable balloon-spring valve unit and an integrated over-drainage compensating gravitational device (known as the shunt assistant). A mechanical 'brake' is intended to prevent changes to the valve's performance level in a strong magnetic field. We evaluated the performance and hydrodynamic properties of a sample of three valves in the UK Shunt Evaluation Laboratory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the shunts showed good mechanical durability over the three-month period of testing, and good stability of hydrodynamic performance over a one-month period. The pressure-flow performance curves, operating, opening and closing pressures fell within the limits specified by the manufacturer, and changed according to the programmed performance levels. The operating pressure increased when the shunt assistant was in the vertical position, as specified. The valve has a low hydrodynamic resistance (0.53 mm mmHg ml(-1) min(-1)). External programming proved to be easy and reliable. Strong magnetic fields from a 3 Tesla MR scanner were not able to change the programming of the valve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ProGAV shunt is an adjustable, low resistance valve that is able to limit posture-related over-drainage. Unlike other adjustable valves, the ProGAV cannot be accidentally re-adjusted by external magnetic field such as a 3T MR scanner.
authors.affiliation: Academic Neurosurgical Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK. D.M.Allin.02@cantab.net
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Allin
authors.forename: Zofia H
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Czosnyka
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Czosnyka
authors.forename: Hugh K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Pickard