Ventricular catheter tack-down screw.
The frequent need for revision of ventriculoperitoneal shunts particularly in the pediatric population is a well-known complication of the procedure. A not infrequent etiology demanding revision is the dislodgement of the catheter, particularly, in our experience, with posterior fossa shunts. Suturing the shunt to the periosteum is a common practice amongst pediatric neurosurgeons. We describe a novel technique of fastening the reservoir directly to the skull with the aid of titanium screws providing a more secure attachment and potentially reducing the number of subsequent revisions related to proximal end displacement.
Crevier
Louis
L
Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada.
Fallah
Aria
A
Jha
Neilank
N
Hollenberg
Robert D
RD
D001863:Bone Screws; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000379:methods*