title: Percutaneous ultrasound-guided insertion of ventriculo-atrial shunts.
abstract: Ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunts have been in use for >60 years but less frequently so of late. This is due to a combination of the risk of cardiac complications, lack of expertise and a lengthy operation. We present our consecutive prospective series of 10 VA shunts inserted using a percutaneous method employing the Sonowand Invite™ neuronavigation system for both the distal and proximal catheters, over a 13-month period. We had two complications of cases needing revision, but our series highlights a safe and reproducible method of inserting a VA shunt. About 30% of the procedures were carried out by a trainee as the primary surgeon. This technique does not necessarily require the expertise of a complex hydrocephalus surgeon and is thus able to be in the armoury of any neurosurgeon needing to do a VA shunt procedure. The indications, operative data and outcomes of our patients are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Royal Melbourne Hospital , Parkville , Australia ;
authors.forename: James Albert
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: McCracken
authors.affiliation: b Department of Neurosurgery , Sheffield Teaching Hospitals , Sheffield , UK ;|c Department of Neurosurgery , Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals , Hull , UK.
authors.forename: Anuj
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bahl
authors.affiliation: b Department of Neurosurgery , Sheffield Teaching Hospitals , Sheffield , UK ;
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McMullan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
keywords: Hydrocephalus; shunt; ventriculo-atrial shunt