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Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of Ommaya reservoir implantation on hydrocephalus in premature infants following intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and to investigate factors influencing the therapeutic effect., Methods: An ambispective cohort study was conducted on the clinical and follow-up data of 20 premature infants (gestational age <32 weeks, birth weight <1500 g) who received Ommaya reservoir implantation because of hydrocephalus following IVH. The therapeutic effect of Ommaya reservoir implantation was observed. These patients were divided into cure and treatment failure groups according to their treatment outcomes. The factors influencing therapeutic effects were investigated by univariate analysis., Results: Hydrocephalus was relieved significantly at 30 days after Ommaya reservoir implantation. However, some patients showed significantly decreased therapeutic effects since 3 months after operation: during 3-6 months after operation, 7 cases underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt, 4 cases discontinued treatment because of economic reasons, and 1 case underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy due to scalp hematoma with skin necrosis. The ventricles of the remaining 8 cases returned to normal size at 12-18 months after operation. As for postoperative complications, secondary IVH was seen in 8 cases, intracranial infection in 2 cases, and scalp hematoma with skin necrosis in 1 case. The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in gestational age, birth weight and duration of hydrocephalus before Ommaya reservoir implantation between the cure and the treatment failure groups (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Ommaya reservoir implantation has a remarkable short-term therapeutic effect on hydrocephalus in premature infants following IVH, but later the effect decreases in some patients. Low gestational age, low birth weight and long duration of hydrocephalus may be the main factors influencing therapeutic effects of Ommaya reservoir implantation.

Objectives: Manifestations of external ventricular drain (EVD) - associated infections overlap with those of the underlying neurosurgical conditions. We analyzed characteristics of EVD-associated infections., Methods: We included patients aged ≥18 years with EVD-associated infections from 1997 to 2008, using modified CDC criteria for nosocomial infections. Hospital charts were reviewed retrospectively and the in-hospital outcome was evaluated., Results: Forty-eight patients with EVD-associated infections were included (median age, 52 years, range 20-74 years). The median EVD-indwelling time was 7 days (range, 1-39 days) and EVD-associated infection occurred 6 days after insertion (range, 1-17 days). In 23% of patients, meningitis occurred 1-10 days after EVD removal. Fever >38 °C was present in 79% of patients, but Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were reduced in only 29%, and headache, vomiting and/or neck stiffness were present in only 31%. The median cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leukocyte count was higher at onset of EVD-associated infection than at EVD insertion (175 × 10(6)/l versus 46 × 10(6)/l, p = 0.021), but other CSF parameters did not differ significantly. The most commonly implicated organisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci (63%) and Propionibacterium acnes (15%)., Conclusions: Fever and increased CSF leukocytes should raise the suspicion of EVD-associated infection, which may occur up to 10 days after removal of EVD., (Copyright © 2013 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In patients with programmable CSF shunt valves, the risk of unintentional valve adjustment associated with the environmental magnetic influence is ever present. We tested whether the iPad 3 with Smart Cover is capable of changing the setting of individual programmable valves ex vivo using direct fluoroscopic visualization., Methods: The following valves were tested: Strata NSC Adjustable Pressure Valve, Strata NSC Burr Hole Valve, Strata II small valve, Sophysa Polaris model SPV, Aesculap valve proGAV, and Codman Certas Programmable Valve. The left front edge of the iPad 3 with Smart Cover was found to have the strongest magnetic flux, measuring approximately 1,200 G and was moved linearly directly over the tested valve and then parallel to the first path at approximately 30 cm/s. Also, this area was rotated once at varying distances above the valve at approximately 1 rad/s., Results: Almost all shunt valves were immune to reprogramming by the iPad 3 at varying distances (including direct contact) except for the Strata II small valve, where rotating the peak flux location 4 mm above the valve changed the valve pressure settings every time., Conclusions: The iPad 3 can change pressure settings of the Strata II small valve at a distance comparable to the thickness of certain regions of the scalp. Although the specific rotational motion described here may be uncommon in real life, it is nevertheless recommended that children with hydrocephalus, caregivers, educators, and therapists are informed of the now-apparent risks of close contact with this increasingly popular technology.

Unlabelled: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized by gait disturbance, dementia and /or urinary incontinence, dilation of the ventricular system and normal opening cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Shunt surgery is the standard treatment of iNHP. Diversions with programmable valves are recommended, once drainage pressure can be changed. However, well-defined protocols still lack guiding the steps to attain proper pressure for each patient., Methods: In our study, we reported the experience of shunting 24 patients with iNPH using Strata® (Medtronic) valve, following a protocol based on a positive Tap Test., Results: We observed clinical improvement in 20 patients and stability/worsening in 4 patients. Complications occurred in five patients, including one death. The results display improvement, and complications occurred at a lower rate than reported in other studies., Conclusions: The Strata® valve used in the proposed protocol represents an efficient and safe tool in the treatment of iNPH.

Low-pressure hydrocephalus is a rare type of hydrocephalus characterized by negative intracranial pressure (ICP) and ventriculomegaly. Given the shortcomings of available methods to treat refractory low-pressure hydrocephalus, we set out to develop a new system for evacuation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ventricular system where existing shunt systems do not produce the necessary gradient for CSF drainage. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of two patients with the diagnosis of negative-pressure hydrocephalus refractory to traditional treatments. We combined a traditional low-pressure, non-siphoning valve with a pumping chamber placed distal to the valve to create a system that could be actively pumped to remove excess CSF. Treatment of negative-pressure hydrocephalus requires the establishment of a lower ventricular drainage pressure than the drainage pressure in the subarachnoid space. In refractory cases, we propose the use of this active negative-pressure pumping system., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Object: Overdrainage is a chronic complication in shunted pediatric patients with hydrocephalus. The use of adjustability of differential pressure (DP) valves in combination with antisiphoning devices may help to overcome this sequela and may diminish the rate of possible shunt failures. The purpose of this retrospective study is to report our experience on shunt survival and infection rate with an adjustable DP valve with integrated gravitational unit in pediatric hydrocephalus., Methods: The proGAV consists of an adjustable differential pressure (DP) valve and a gravitational unit. During the time period of July 2004 and December 2009, a total of 237 adjustable gravitational valves were used in 203 children (age, 6.5 ± 6.54; 0-27 years). In the follow-up period, valve and shunt failures as well as rate of infection were recorded., Results: Within the average follow-up time of 21.9 ± 10.3 months (range, 6-72 months), the valve survival rate was 83.8 %. The overall shunt survival rate including all necessary revisions was 64.3 %. Looking at the group of infants (<1 year of age) within the cohort, the valve survival rate was 77.3 % and the shunt survival rate was 60.9 %. The overall infection rate was 4.6 %., Conclusion: In a concept of avoiding chronic overdrainage by using the proGAV in hydrocephalic children, we observed a good rate of valve and shunt survival. Compared to previous reported series, we experienced the proGAV as a reliable tool for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus.

Background: Hydrocephalus is a state in which excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in intracranial space as a result of disorders of its circulation hydrodynamics., Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical conditions and primary surgical treatment of hydrocephalus in the newborns examined in the study., Material and Methods: The data was gathered using a retrospective analysis of the medical and nursing records of 57 newborns treated for hydrocephalus at the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the Dr. A. Jurasz University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland., Results: In the years 2008-2009 at the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Dr. A. Jurasz University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, 57 newborns were treated for hydrocephalus. In all patients (100% of the study group) regardless of sex, age, place of residence or etiology, the doctors used surgical therapy., Conclusions: There is a connection between selected causes of hydrocephalus in the study group and sociodemographic characteristics such as the place of residence or age. Sociodemographic data (sex, age, place of residence) have no effect on the treatment of hydrocephalus in newborns. In all cases of hydrocephalus in the study, the treatment used was implantation of a drainage system. Rickham reservoirs are more rarely implanted in full-term newborns than in premature ones, while ventricle-peritoneal valves are more frequently used in full-term newborns than in premature babies. Regardless of the reason for hydrocephalus formation, the treatment is based on surgical intervention and the most common drainage system used to correct the defect is the ventricle-peritoneal valve.

We present the case of a patient with cardiac tamponade secondary to late intrapericardial migration of a disrupted ventriculo-atrial shunt (VAS). A 48-year old woman was referred for cardiac tamponade. She had a history of congenital hydrocephalus with implantation of a VAS (Codman(®)) in 1994. The initial neurological examination was normal. Tomodensitometry showed a discontinuity of the VAS at the cervical level with its distal part floating in the pericardium. Immediate surgery through sternotomy allowed the draining of the pressurized translucid liquid. The distal part of the VAS was extracted and the perforation site on the right ventricle was sutured. The patient showed no neurological trouble 3 months after operation. Surprisingly, cardiac tamponade was not related to bleeding but to the accumulation of translucid liquid whose gross aspect and biochemistry were very suggestive of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We hypothesize that a fibrin sheath had developed around the VAS at the time of its disconnection and acted as a fibrous tunnel allowing continued CSF drainage through its distal part. Surgical strategies to prevent late VAS disconnection should be considered at the time of implantation.

Object: Independent testing of hydrocephalus shunts provides information about the quality of CSF drainage after shunt implantation. Moreover, hydrodynamic parameters of a valve assessed in the laboratory create a comparative pattern for testing of shunt performance in vivo. This study sought to assess the hydrodynamic parameters of the Certas valve, a new model of a hydrocephalus shunt., Methods: The Certas valve is an adjustable ball-on-spring hydrocephalus valve. It can be adjusted magnetically in vivo in 7 steps, equally distributed within the therapeutic limit for hydrocephalus, and the eighth step at high pressures intended to block CSF drainage. The magnetically adjustable rotor is designed to prevent accidental readjustment of the valve in a magnetic field, including clinical MRI., Results: The pressure-flow performance curves, as well as the operating, opening, and closing pressures, were stable, fell within the specified limits, and changed according to the adjusted performance levels. The valve at settings 1-7 demonstrated low hydrodynamic resistance of 1.4 mm Hg/ml/min, increasing to 5.1 mm Hg/ml/min after connection of a distal drain provided by the manufacturer. At performance Level 8 the hydrodynamic resistance was greater than 20 mm Hg/ml/min. External programming of the valve proved to be easy and reliable. The valve is safe in 3-T MRI and the performance level of the valve is unlikely to be changed. However, with the valve implanted, distortion of the image is substantial. Integration of the valve with the SiphonGuard limits the drainage rate., Conclusions: In the laboratory the Certas valve appears to be a reliable differential-pressure adjustable valve. Laboratory evaluation should be supplemented by results of a clinical audit in the future.

Object: Addressing overdrainage and its associated complications is still one of the greatest challenges for future shunt designs for normal-pressure hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Nevertheless, as evidenced by tap test procedures, a small amount of CSF drainage seems to be enough to relieve patients' symptoms in most cases and, therefore, in opposition to other types of hydrocephalus, continuous CSF drainage may not be absolutely warranted. In such a clinical scenario, intermittent controlled drainage of a small amount of CSF during specific periods of the day through a 2-system pump may provide several advantages over continuous drainage of current single-system shunts. The goal in this study was to design and test an innovative concept of a bicorporal pump composed of a 2-part system. The first component was designed to be implanted in the patient and act as a pump connected to standard catheter tubing. The second component was designed to be used as an external device outside of the body and function as a power supply and control system. Ultimately, flow will only occur when the system is powered by the external device., Methods: Testing and comparisons were performed to evaluate free fluid flow and the maximal flow after pumping in the standing and supine positions. After this, the authors compared the hydrodynamic effects of 2 different housing systems (2- and 3-in systems). An attenuation test was performed to show the effects of electromagnetic forces at progressively increasing distances. Finally, a biocompatibility report of the raw material used in the pilot design was completed., Results: In the supine position, the effect of pumping was observed to increase the volumetric flow at a rate similar to or higher than that yielded in the free-flow tests. In relation to the attenuation test, it was observed that the volume drops off fairly quickly as the air gap distance was increased until ultimately reaching zero, with approximately 15 mm between the 2 components. In relation to the testing force, the 2-in housing model showed a considerable increase in the required electromagnetic force over the 3-in housing., Conclusions: The authors successfully designed and tested a new intermittent drainage system through a bicorporal shunt, which provides several advantages over current single-system continuous drainage pumps. According to the authors' benchmark results, the 3-in housing model seems to be a better choice as it requires less force from the external electromagnet control. Moreover, attenuation tests demonstrated that, for proper functioning, the gap distance between the external and implanted devices should not be greater than 15 mm. Such initial benchmark results confirm the feasibility of such innovative design and provide support for future testing of the system in in vivo animal models and in future clinical series.

Background: Shunt malfunction produces increased intracranial pressure causing decreased cerebral regional perfusion and tissue O(2)sat. Cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) by near-infrared spectroscopy represents tissue perfusion and oxygen saturation. Cerebral rSO(2) is used to detect cerebral ischemia in pediatric clinical settings., Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the reliability of cerebral rSO(2) in pediatric malfunctioning shunt., Methods: A prospective observational study of pediatric patients presented to the pediatric emergency department was conducted. Confirmed malfunctioning shunt subjects had cerebral rSO(2) monitoring., Results: A total of 131 malfunctioning shunt subjects had cerebral rSO(2) monitoring. Patient's central trend and intrasubject variability of cerebral rSO(2) readings for left and right probe and malfunction sites (n = 131) are as follows: Intrasubject left and right rSO(2) Pearson correlation was -0.46 to 0.98 (mean ± SD, 0.35 ± 0.34; median, 0.34; interquartile range, 0.06-0.61). The correlation coefficients of 99 subjects between left and right rSO(2) was significantly different (P < .001), suggesting that intrasubjects' left and right rSO(2) are highly correlated. Sample mean difference between left and right rSO(2) were -1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.8 to -1.6; P < .001) supporting overall left lower than right. Intraclass correlation for left rSO(2) was 87.4% (95% CI, 87.2%-87.6%), and that for right rSO(2) was 83.8% (95% CI, 83.8%-84%), showing intersubject differences accounting for the variation, and relative to intersubject variation, intrasubjects readings are consistent. Intrasubjects, left and right rSO(2) highly correlate and are asymmetrical. Left and right rSO(2) are consistent in intrasubject with large rSO(2) variations in trend and variability across subjects., Conclusion: This study demonstrates reliable cerebral rSO(2) readings in subjects with malfunctioning shunts, with asymmetrical cerebral rSO(2) hemispheric dynamics within subjects., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Object: Although several improvements have been observed in the past few years in shunt technology, currently available systems still present several associated problems. Among these, overdrainage along with its complications remains one of the great challenges for new shunt designs. To address the so-called siphoning effect, the authors provide a practical example of how it is possible to decouple the activation pressure and the pressure gradient across the valve through a 3-key component system. In this new shunt design, the flow is expected to depend only on the intracranial pressure and not on the pressure gradient across the valve, thus avoiding the so-called siphoning effect., Methods: The authors used computer models to theoretically evaluate the mechanical variables involved in the operation of the newly designed valve, such as the fluid's Reynolds number, proximal pressure, distal pressure, pressure gradient, actual flow rate, and expected flow rate. After fabrication of the first superscaled model, the authors performed benchmark tests to analyze the performance of the new shunt prototype, and the obtained data were compared with the results predicted by the previous mathematical models., Results: The final design of the new paddle wheel valve with the 3-key component antisiphoning system was tested in the hydrodynamics laboratory to prove that the siphoning effect did not occur. According to the calculations obtained using the LabVIEW program during the experiments, each time the distal pressure decreased without an increase in the proximal pressure (despite the range of the pressure gradient), the pin blocked the spinning of the paddle wheels, and the calculated fluid velocity through the system tended to zero. Such a situation was significantly different from the expected flow rate for such a pressure gradient in a siphoning situation without the new antisiphon system., Conclusions: The design of this new prototype with a 3-key component antisiphoning system demonstrated that it is possible to decouple the activation pressure and the pressure gradient across the valve, avoiding the siphoning effect. Although further developments are necessary to provide a model compatible to clinical use, the authors believe that this new prototype illustrates the possibility of successfully addressing the siphoning effect by using a simple 3-key component system that is able to decouple the activation pressure and the pressure gradient across the valve by using a separate pressure chamber. It is expected that such proof of concept may significantly contribute to future shunt designs attempting to address the problem of overdrainage due to the siphoning effect.

Object: The CSF shunt valve is a medical device whose main function is to regulate intracranial pressure and drain excess CSF. The authors have developed a new therapeutic method for treating hydrocephalus, namely the tandem shunt valve system, which has the potential of flexibly controlling the CSF flow rate and intracranial pressure in patients., Methods: The properties of the tandem system were verified by performing in vitro experiments. An in vitro system with a manometer was built to measure pressure and flow rates of water in open systems using the Codman Hakim Programmable Valve and the Strata adjustable pressure programmable valve. A single valve and 2 single shunt valves connected in series (the tandem shunt valve system) were connected to the manometer to check the final pressure., Results: Conventional single shunt valve systems require valve pressures to be set higher to slow down the CSF flow rate, which inevitably results in a higher final pressure. On the other hand, the tandem shunt valve system uses the combination of 2 valves to slow the CSF flow rate without increasing the final pressure., Conclusions: The authors succeeded in experimentally demonstrating in vitro results of tandem systems and their effectiveness by applying a model to show that the valve with the higher pressure setting determined the final pressure of the entire system and the flow rate became slower than single shunt valve systems.

Object: Overdrainage of CSF remains an unsolved problem in shunt therapy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment options on overdrainage-related events enabled by the new generation of adjustable gravity-assisted valves., Methods: The authors retrospectively studied the clinical course of 250 consecutive adult patients with various etiologies of hydrocephalus after shunt insertion for different signs and symptoms of overdrainage. Primary and secondary overdrainage were differentiated. The authors correlated the incidence of overdrainage with etiology of hydrocephalus, opening valve pressure, and patient parameters such as weight and size. Depending on the severity of overdrainage, they elevated the opening pressure, and follow-up was performed until overdrainage was resolved., Results: The authors found 39 cases (15.6%) involving overdrainage-related problems--23 primary and 16 secondary overdrainage. The median follow-up period in these 39 patients was 2.1 years. There was no correlation between the incidence of overdrainage and any of the following factors: sex, age, size, or weight of the patients. There was also no statistical significance among the different etiologies of hydrocephalus, with the exception of congenital hydrocephalus. All of the "complications" could be resolved by readjusting the opening pressure of the valve in one or multiple steps, avoiding further operations., Conclusions: Modern adjustable and gravity-assisted valves enable surgeons to set the opening pressure relatively low to avoid underdrainage without significantly raising the incidence of overdrainage and to treat overdrainage-related clinical and radiological complications without surgical intervention.

Object: Prompt diagnosis of shunt malfunction is critical in preventing neurological morbidity and death in individuals with hydrocephalus; however, diagnostic methods for this condition remain limited. For several decades, investigators have sought a long-term, implantable intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor to assist in the diagnosis of shunt malfunction, but efforts have been impeded by device complexity, marked measurement drift, and limited instrumentation lifespan. In the current report, the authors introduce an entirely novel, simple, compressible gas design that addresses each of these problems., Methods: The device described herein, termed the "baric probe," consists of a subdural fluid bladder and multichannel indicator that monitors the position of an air-fluid interface (AFI). A handheld ultrasound probe is used to interrogate the baric probe in vivo, permitting noninvasive ICP determination. To assess the function of device prototypes, ex vivo experiments were conducted using a water column, and short- and long-term in vivo experiments were performed using a porcine model with concurrent measurements of ICP via a fiberoptic monitor., Results: Following a toe region of approximately 2 cm H(2)O, the baric probe's AFI demonstrated a predictable linear relationship to ICP in both ex vivo and in vivo models. After a 2-week implantation of the device, this linear relationship remained robust and reproducible. Further, changes in ICP were observed with the baric probe, on average, 3 seconds in advance of the fiberoptic ICP monitor reading., Conclusions: The authors demonstrate "proof-of-concept" and feasibility for the baric probe, a long-term implantable ICP monitor designed to facilitate the prompt and accurate diagnosis of shunt malfunction. The baric probe showed a consistent linear relationship between ICP and the device's AFI in ex vivo and short- and long-term in vivo models. With a low per-unit cost, a reduced need for radiography or CT, and an indicator that can be read with a handheld ultrasound probe that interfaces with any smart phone, the baric probe promises to simplify the care of patients with shunt-treated hydrocephalus throughout both the developed and the developing world.

Patients with hydrocephalus and risk factors for overdrainage may be submitted to ventricular shunt (VS) implant with antisiphon device. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate for two years the clinical and tomographic results of the implant of fixed-pressure valves with antisiphon device SPHERA(®) in 35 adult patients, with hydrocephalus and risk factors for overdrainage. Of these, 3 had congenital hydrocephalus in adult patients with very dilated ventricles (Evans index >50%), 3 had symptomatic overdrainage after previous VS implant (subdural hematoma, hygroma or slit ventricle syndrome), 1 had previous chronic subdural hematoma, 15 had normal pressure hydrocephalus with final lumbar pressure <5 cm H(2)O after tap test (40 mL), 6 had pseudotumor cerebri, and 7 had hydrocephalus due to other causes. Clinical improvement was observed and sustained in 94.3% of the patients during the two-year period with no computed tomography (CT) evidence of hypo or overdrainage, and no immediate early or late significant complications.

Object: The authors investigated the effect of a tablet computer on performance-level settings of a programmable shunt valve., Methods: Magnetic field strength near the tablet computer with and without a cover was recorded at distances between 0 and 100 mm. Programmable valves were exposed to the tablet device at distances of less than 1 cm, 1-2.5 cm, 2.5-5 cm, 5-10 cm, and greater than 10 cm. For each distance tested, the valves were exposed 100 times to the tablet with the cover, resulting in 500 total valve exposures. The tablet alone, without the cover, was also tested at distances of less than 1 cm for 30 valve exposures. Changes in valve performance-level settings were recorded., Results: The maximum recorded magnetic flux density of a tablet with a cover was 17.0 mT, and the maximum recorded magnetic flux density of the tablet alone was 7.6 mT. In 100 exposures at distances between 0 and 1 cm, 58% of valves had different settings following exposure. At distances greater than 1 cm but less than 2.5 cm, 5% of valves in 100 exposures had setting changes. Only a single setting change was noted in 100 exposures at distances greater than 2.5 cm but less than 5 cm. No setting changes were noted at distances greater than 5 cm, including 100 exposures between 5 and 10 cm, and 100 exposures of more than 10 cm. For the 30 valve exposures to the tablet without a cover, 20 valve performance-level changes (67%) were noted., Conclusions: Based on these results, exposure to tablet devices may alter programmable shunt valve settings.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infections associated with external ventricular drain (EVD) placement attract major consequences. Silver impregnation of catheters attempts to reduce infection., Objective: To assess the efficacy of silver catheters against CSF infection., Methods: We performed a randomized, controlled trial involving 2 neurosurgical centers (June 2005 to September 2009). A total of 356 patients requiring an EVD were assessed for eligibility; 325 patients were enrolled and randomized (167 plain, 158 silver); 278 patients were analyzed (140 plain, 138 silver). The primary outcome measure was CSF infection as defined by organisms seen on Gram stain or isolated by culture. Secondary outcome measures included ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting., Results: There was a significant difference in infection risk between the 2 study arms: 21.4% (30/140) for plain catheters vs 12.3% (17/138) for silver catheters (P = .0427; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.015-3.713). Patients who had an EVD infection had more than double the risk of requiring a VP shunt compared with patients without an EVD infection (45.7% [21/46] vs 19.7% [45/229], respectively, P = .0002; 95% CI: 1.766-6.682). There was also a significant difference in VP shunt risk with infection: plain (55.2%; 16/29) vs the silver arm (29.4%; 5/17); P = .0244 (95% CI: 1.144-11.695). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that infection risk was increased by duration of EVD placement (odds ratio: 1.160), spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio 4.958) and decreased by silver catheters (odds ratio: 0.423)., Conclusion: The study provides Class I evidence that silver-impregnated catheters reduce CSF infection.

Objective: The role of Ommaya reservoir implantation in children with tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus (TBMH) has been seldomly reported. Therefore, we performed this study to determine the role of the Ommaya reservoir in the treatment of children with TBMH., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the effects of Ommaya reservoir implantation in 12 children with TBMH. Intracapsular puncture of the reservoir was performed for draining the cerebrospinal fluid and the TBM was treated by intraventricular injection of isoniazid., Results: The ideal treatment outcome was observed in nine (75 %) of the 12 children; two (16.7 %) children developed serious disabilities and one of them (8.3 %) eventually died. The treatment method was effective for all six (100 %) children with Palur grade II TBM but showed no effect in three (50 %) children with grade III and IV TBM. The number of leukocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid decreased to 20 × 10(6)/L (75 %) within 2 weeks after implantation of the reservoirs. Finally, the Ommaya reservoirs in eight children were removed but were retained in four children. Four children had to undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt., Conclusion: Ommaya reservoir implantation has been shown to be effective in treating children with TBMH. This method may be largely suitable for children with early grade II TBM or partly in children with grade III TBM who have mild or moderate hydrocephalus that can alleviate after short-term treatment. Thus, a good proportion of children who undergo Ommaya reservoir implantation can avoid ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery.

The treatment of hydrocephalus by cerebrospinal fluid shunting is plagued by ventricular catheter obstruction. Shunts can become obstructed by cells originating from tissue normal to the brain or by pathological cells in the cerebrospinal fluid for a variety of reasons. In this review, the authors examine ventricular catheter obstruction and identify some of the modifications to the ventricular catheter that may alter the mechanical and chemical cues involved in obstruction, including alterations to the surgical strategy, modifications to the chemical surface of the catheter, and changes to the catheter architecture. It is likely a combination of catheter modifications that will improve the treatment of hydrocephalus by prolonging the life of ventricular catheters to improve patient outcome.

Objective: Several new shunt technologies have been developed to optimize hydrocephalus treatment within the past few years. Overdrainage, however, still remains an unresolved problem. One new technology which may reduce the frequency of this complication is the use of a programmable shunt assistant (proSA). Inactive in a horizontal position, it impedes CSF flow in a vertical position according to a prescribed pressure level ranging from 0 to 40 cm H(2)O., Methods: We exposed the proSA valve in an ex vivo protocol to MR systems operating at 3 and 7 Tesla to investigate its MRI safety., Results: Following 3 Tesla exposure, no changes in valve settings were noted. Adjustment to any pressure level was possible thereafter. The mean deflection angle was 23 ± 3°. After exposure to 7 Tesla, however, there were unintended pressure changes, and the mechanism for further adjustment of the valves even disintegrated., Conclusion: According to the results of this study, proSA is safe with heteropolar vertical magnet alignment at 3 Tesla. Following 7 Tesla exposure, the valves lost their functional capability.

Objective: Shunt obstructions may partly be caused by brain debris, which intrude into the ventricular catheter during ventricle puncture. Avoiding contact between the catheter and brain tissue, by using a peel-away sheath, should reduce the number of shunt failures caused by obstruction. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a randomized, prospective multicenter study., Methods: 201 patients from 6 different neurosurgical centers in Germany receiving a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt were included in this study. Of these, 177 patients completed a 1-year follow-up period. Surgery was randomized in a 1 to 1 fashion, such that out of 177 procedures, 91 were performed using a peel-away sheath and 86 were performed without. The rate of surgical re-interventions and shunt obstructions within a 12-month period was recorded., Results: Within 1 year post-surgery, 17 shunt obstructions (9.6%) leading to shunt revisions were recorded. However, no difference was found between surgeries performed using a peel-away sheath (9.9%) or not (9.3%). The overall shunt infection rate was 2.8% and the shunt revision rate for overdrainage was 3.9%., Conclusions: The theoretical advantages attributed to the use of a peel-away sheath to introduce a ventricular catheter could not be confirmed in this randomized study, suggesting that the proposed role of brain debris in shunt obstructions may be overestimated., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: In order to avoid occurrence of post-operative hygromas in specific hydrocephalus patients being at high risk of overdrainage, a combination of programmable valve and anti-gravity device is widely recommended. We analyzed our series of hydrocephalus patients implanted with such a shunt configuration focusing on complications in relation to over-/underdrainage and neurological outcome., Methods: In 28 hydrocephalic patients (14 women and 14 men; mean age 65 years, range from 14 to 82 years; 11 normal pressure, 7 post-traumatic, and 4 post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus), a Codman Medos programmable valve combined with a Miethke shunt assistant (SA) was implanted at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Academic Teaching Hospital Feldkirch. Implantation was performed simultaneously in 20 patients during the primary procedure: in five patients, SA was placed during revision surgery, and in three patients, the patent system was completed by additional implantation of an SA., Results: Subdural hematoma occurred in one out of 20 patients with SA implantation during primary procedure and in two out of eight patients with SA implantation as secondary procedure, respectively. Shunt occlusion occurred in one patient out of the patients with SA implantation during primary procedure, but was seen in three patients with pre-existing shunt without SA. Shunt infection occurred in one case., Discussion: Our results suggest the combination of an adjustable valve and SA as an effective treatment for a specific group of hydrocephalus patients being at high risk for overdrainage.

Objectives: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infusion test is frequently used when selecting hydrocephalus patients for shunt surgery. Very little has been reported regarding adverse events. We present a prospective feasibility study., Methods: Standardized devices for measuring CSF dynamics were built and 562 patients investigated: Needles were placed by lumbar puncture (LP). An automatic CSF infusion protocol was performed. Course of events during the investigation as well as adverse events were registered., Results: Preoperative evaluation of normal-pressure hydrocephalus was the most common indication (63%), followed by evaluation of shunt function (23%) and intracranial pressure recordings (14%). The LP was successfully performed in all but nine cases with 24 patients (4.3%) reporting major discomfort. Ringer infusion was performed in 474 investigations, and a valid measurement of the outflow resistance was received in 439 (93%). During the infusion phase, 17 (4%) patients reported severe headache. Infusion volume was significantly higher in patients having subjective symptoms during the infusion phase compared with those without adverse events. During 269 preoperative CSF tap tests, six (2%) patients had severe headache. Post-investigational headache was reported by 83 (15%) patients at the 24-h follow-up. No serious adverse events were observed., Conclusion: Infusion testing was safe and without serious adverse events with a high rate of successful procedures. The investigation was associated with expected mild to moderate discomfort., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Burr-hole trephine and insertion of external ventricular drainage (EVD) is the most common neurosurgical treatment of acute hydrocephalus. Until 2005, we performed this procedure conventionally in the operating room (OR) using a mechanical drill but in 2004 we started to use a manual drill and a skull screw (Bolt Kit System [BKS], Raumedic, Münchberg, Germany) for creating burr-holes in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) exclusively. This retrospective study compares the outcomes after both surgical procedures of 312 consecutive patients (190 patients, conventional procedure; 122, the BKS system; total female 171, male 141; mean age 59.0 years) who suffered from acute hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus and who had undergone EVD via a frontal burr-hole from January 2004 until April 2010. We reviewed the charts for surgical procedure, number of attempted insertions, radiological signs of misplacement and procedural-related hemorrhage, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection rate and shunt-dependency. The CSF infection rate, the number of attempted insertions and the procedural-related hemorrhage were significantly lower in the BKS group (p=0.034; p=0.018 and 0.015 respectively). Our data indicate that the application of the manually driven drill and the skull screw in the ICU is safe and effective. In addition, there is no need for transfer and transportation of critically ill patients from the ICU to the OR., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Object: Cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems malfunction for a multitude of reasons, including malpostitioning, obstruction of the ventricular or distal catheter, obstruction of the shunt valve, and catheter disruptions or disconnections. The goal of this study was to examine the hydrodynamic resistance and flow in new and explanted catheters and also in catheters with 1 or 2 straight connectors., Methods: Explanted catheters of multiple lengths, 2-piece catheters, 3-piece catheters, and new catheters were attached to a proximal and distal manometer. A flask with artificial CSF attached to the proximal end provided flow. The flow was allowed to stabilize over 1 hour; then the change in pressure between the proximal and distal end of the catheter was measured., Results: The resistance to flow was calculated for new, never-implanted catheters and compared with the resistance of explanted distal shunt catheters. The resistance of the new catheters was examined after the addition of 1 and 2 straight connectors. Explanted catheters exhibited a slight increase in the resistance to flow of artificial CSF compared with new catheters. Two-piece and 3-piece catheters had a significant increase in resistance to flow compared with new catheters. For all catheters, resistance to flow increased as length increased (new, p = 0.01; explanted, p = 0.009; 1 connector, p = 0.01; 2 connectors, p = 0.03). In this paper, effective diameter is defined as the available cross-sectional area of catheter contacted by the artificial CSF. For new and explanted catheters, a decrease in the effective diameter of the catheter was associated with an increase in the resistance to flow of artificial CSF (new, p = 0.1083; explanted, p = 0.0091). However, after the addition of 1 or 2 connectors, an inverse trend was observed: resistance to flow increased with effective diameter., Conclusions: There appears to be some increase in resistance of CSF shunt catheters as they age, altering flow dynamics. In addition, the use of straight connectors within a CSF shunt system increases the resistance to flow of artificial CSF within the shunt system. The increase in resistance appears to be related to the duration of implantation and the length of the catheter and inversely related to the diameter of the catheter. This increase in resistance may be related to sterile shunt malfunction. The addition of straight connectors is associated with a significant increase in resistance in comparison with catheters without connectors (p = 0.005).

Background: Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) arises in adulthood and is characterized by a typical combination of clinical and radiological findings. The mean basal intracranial pressure is normal or mildly elevated. The typical signs of the disease are gait impairment, urinary incontinence, and dementia. The difficulty of distinguishing NPH from other neurodegenerative disorders is the likely reason why some 80% of cases remain unrecognized and untreated. According to current evidence, the spontaneous course of NPH ends, for the vast majority of patients, in dependence on nursing care., Methods: This review article is based on relevant publications retrieved by a selective search in Medline and on national and international guidelines for the management of NPH., Results: Studies with a high evidence level are lacking; thus, the current state of knowledge about NPH is derived from studies of low or intermediate evidence levels, e.g., observational studies. Modern forms of treatment lead to clinical improvement in 70% to 90% of treated patients. The treatment of choice is the implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The differential diagnosis is complicated by the fact that three-quarters of patients with NPH severe enough to require treatment also suffer from another neurodegenerative disorder. Therefore, the clinical findings and imaging studies often do not suffice to establish the indication for surgery. To do this, a further, semi-invasive diagnostic procedure is recommended. Current risk/benefit analyses indicate that shunt operations improve outcome compared to the spontaneous course of the disease., Conclusion: Normal pressure hydrocephalus should always enter into the differential diagnosis of patients who present with its characteristic manifestations. If the diagnosis of NPH is confirmed, it should be treated at an early stage.

Background: Profound evidence substantiates significantly reduced risk of catheter-related infections with prophylactic use of rifampin- and clindamycin-impregnated silicone catheters (Bactiseal(®), Codman Johnson & Johnson, Raynham, MA, USA) for external ventricular drainage (EVD). However, whether Bactiseal(®)-EVD (B-EVD) influences the treatment of EVD-related ventriculitis remains controversial., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who developed ventriculitis after EVD or ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement and consequently underwent either placement of B-EVD (group 1) or a standard non-antibiotic-impregnated EVD (group 2). Analyzed parameters included demographic and clinical data, hospitalization time, time until remission of the infection parameters, detection of new bacterial resistance on antibiograms, and clinical outcome in terms of the modified Rankin scale (mRS)., Results: Time until remission of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis was significantly longer in patients undergoing B-EVD (8 ± 3.8 days; n = 15; group 1) than in patients who underwent standard EVD (5.1 ± 1.8 days; n = 10; group 2). There was no significant difference between both groups for the time until polymorphonuclear cells dropped below 50% of peak value (5.8 ± 1.6 vs. 4.1 ± 2.9 days), CRP dropped below 10 mg/l (4.2 ± 3.5 vs. 5.6 ± 3.3 days), the time of plasma neutrophil remission (5.7 ± 2.6 vs. 5.3 ± 3.2 days) and hospitalization time (28 ± 12.5 vs. 35 ± 19.4 days). The mRS for both groups was 2. Development of new antibiotic resistance did not occur in either group., Conclusions: This retrospective pilot study indicates that B-EVD might have no major advantage in the management of EVD or VP-shunt-related ventriculitis. Based on published reports and the results of this study, data support only the prophylactic use of B-EVD for prevention of EVD-related infections. Prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted to further evaluate the role of B-EVD in the treatment of ventriculitis.

Objective: The programmable Shunt Assistant (capped!) (ProSA) shunt system has recently been introduced into clinical use. The system can be in vivo adjusted magnetically, and this adjustability is supposed to affect CSF drainage only in the vertical body position., Materials and Methods: We tested a combination of ProSA with fixed differential pressure valve designed to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain ventricles into the peritoneal cavity., Results: The ProSA showed good mechanical durability and stability of hydrodynamic performance over a 60-day period. The flow-pressure performance curves and operating pressures were stable, fell within the limits specified by the manufacturer, and changed according to the programmed performance levels. The ProSA system has higher than usual hydrodynamic resistance (around 8.8 mmHg/(mL/min)) in the vertical position. Operating pressure in the vertical position reacted repeatedly to changes of settings within the limits 0-40 cmH(2)O and was reduced gradually when the axis of the valve declined from vertical to horizontal. External programming proved to be reliable. Strong magnetic fields (3-T MRI) were not able to change the programming of ProSA., Conclusion: ProSA works in the horizontal position as differential fixed pressure low hydrodynamic resistance and in the vertical position as an adjustable, normal hydrodynamic resistance valve. It is able to compensate for posture-related overdrainage.

Several models are available to simulate raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in hydrocephalus. However, the hydrodynamic effect of an implanted shunt has seldom been examined. In this study, the simple model of Ursino and Lodi [14]is extended to include (1) the effect of a typical ball-in-cone valve, (2) the effect of the size of the diameter of the connecting tube from valve to abdomen, and (3) the concept of a controlled electromechanical shunt valve in overall cerebrospinal fluid dynamics.By means of simulation, it is shown how a shunt can lower ICP. Simulation results indicate that P and B waves still exist but at a lower ICP level and that, due to the exponential pressure-volume curve, their amplitude is also considerably lowered. A waves only develop if the valve is partially blocked. The resulting ICP is above the opening pressure of the valve, depending on the drain and resistance of the shunt.The concept of a new electromechanical shunt was more successful than the traditional mechanical valves in keeping ICP at a desired level. The influence of the patient's movements or coughing on ICP as well as the body position affecting the reference ICP, which can be measured, has not yet been modeled and should be addressed in future using suitable algorithms.

Objective: The supremacy of low-pressure valves (LPV) in the therapy of patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) has been proven by the Dutch NPH study. The downside of LPVs is the high rate of overdrainage complications. In the meantime gravitational units have been developed with the objective of minimising overdrainage complications. Do these gravitational units allow the same favourable outcomes as in the Dutch NPH study without overdrainage complications? The goal of this prospective randomised controlled multicentre trial is to compare the rate of overdrainage complications after shunt surgery with programmable valves with or without a gravitational unit., Method: Patients suspected with iNPH with gait ataxia and one or two other symptoms of Hakim's triad and enlarged ventricles on CT or MRI underwent a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infusion test, CSF tap test and/or continuous ICP measurement in seven experienced centres. If iNPH was diagnosed the patients were randomised to receive a ventriculoperitoneal shunt with a programmable valve with or without a gravitational unit. The patients were followed up for 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The primary hypothesis of the study was that programmable valves with gravitational units will reduce the rate of overdrainage from 25% to 10%. The outcome measured by iNPH-specific outcome scales (Kiefer score, Black grading scale) and the generic quality of life (short form 12, SF12) was defined as the secondary endpoint. To detect the hypothesised difference in the incidence of overdrainage with a type I error of 5% and a type II error of 20%, correcting for multiple testing and an anticipated drop-out rate of 10%, we planned to enrol 250 patients. To ensure safety and efficacy we performed a planned interim analysis halfway., Results: The study design has been found to be effective with regard to the primary hypothesis., Conclusion: The design of the SVASONA study was developed to be able to confirm the primary hypothesis. Thus, the method of the study should solve the dilemma of the Dutch NPH study by the randomised comparison of LPVs with and without gravitational units.

Obstruction remains the most common complication of cerebrospinal fluid shunts. The valve constitutes an important site of potential malfunction. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the extent and composition of debris depositions along the structural components of the shunt valve.We examined three explanted Medos programmable valves. The valves were stored and examined wet. They were cut open and disassembled. All specimens were studied under a scanning electron microscope (SEM; Quanta 200; FEI, Hillsboro, OR, USA) operating at different levels of accelerating voltage and 110 μA beam current. Valve areas analyzed included the ruby ball and collar, the flat spring with its pillar, and the staircase cam. The elemental composition, in areas with abnormal deposits, was subsequently determined by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDS) using a Si (Li) detector (Sapphire; EDAX, Mahwah, NJ, USA) with a super ultrathin Be window.All explanted valves had varying degrees of deposits in all surveyed areas. The extent of the deposits was not related to the time since implantation. The effect of these deposits on proper functioning of the valve as well as their pathogenesis is difficult to establish.

Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the confines of the skull that if left untreated results in significant morbidity and mortality. The treatment for hydrocephalus has remained essentially unchanged for over 50 years. It was a technological advance in materials that allowed John Holter, in conjunction with neurosurgeons Spitzer and Nulsen, to devise a valve and shunt system that diverted excess CSF from the ventricular space to the peritoneum. This ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt is far from ideal, with problems associated with under/over shunting, mechanical mismatch, infection, high failure rates, disconnection and erosion. With the advances in the field of micro-fabrication and micro-machines we propose an innovative shunt system that would mimic the function of arachnoid granulations. This micro-fabricated shunting device, or micro-mechanical arachnoid granulation (MAG), consists of a multiplicity of micro-valves each 210 μm in diameter that each adhere to individual micro-needles. This work demonstrates the design and initial test results of the micro-valve with parameters for low cracking pressure, optimal flow rate, and reflux that would mimic the function of the native arachnoid granulations.

Object: Shunt valves are intended to maintain physiological intracranial pressure (ICP). A variety of mechanisms have been designed to accomplish this goal but have had limited success. Siphoning, in particular, has been a problem not effectively solved by proposed or manufactured valves. Poor control of ICP results in headache, neurological disturbances, decreased cognition, shunt malfunction, slit ventricles, subdural hematomas, decreased cranial volume, and maldevelopment. The authors of this study describe a prototype valve that was machined and tested ex vivo and that actuates based on ICP alone regardless of the presence of a siphon. Their object was to determine if a novel shunt mechanism that actuates perpendicular to the flow of fluid would eliminate the effect of siphoning in a valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus., Methods: A posture-independent piston valve (PIPV) was anchored to a graduated reservoir. Opening pressure was measured by noting the fluid level in the reservoir when the piston moved. Measurements were made using a 90-cm and a 120-cm water-filled siphon tube (1.3-mm standard distal catheter) to simulate an upright posture. A recumbent posture was simulated by the absence of a siphon., Results: Opening pressure of the valve did not change regardless of the presence or absence of a water-filled siphon., Conclusions: The PIPV was triggered only by the pressure head at the inlet and did not actuate in the presence of a siphon, demonstrating proof of principle of the perpendicular actuating mechanism. The PIPV is a purely mechanical device that has practical application in the treatment of hydrocephalus.

Object: In recent years, the authors have noticed a growing number of programmable valve defects at their institution. Therefore, they conducted this study to evaluate the increased incidence of malfunctioning valves., Methods: They investigated all revisions that had been performed at their institution between 1994 and 2010 for dislodgement of the stator of a standard Medos Hakim programmable valve with a prechamber., Results: Fifteen valves were removed because of dislodged stators. The valves had been implanted between May 16, 1993, and December 27, 2002, and were explanted between February 19, 2006, and January 22, 2010. Thus, the valves had been in place for a mean period of 11 years (median 11 years, range 7-14 years). The percentage of dislodged stators was almost 3% (15 of 546 valves). Particularly noteworthy is that all malfunctioning valves were found in children who had been younger than 1 year of age at the time of implantation., Conclusions: Medos Hakim programmable valve malfunctions are rare events but should receive careful attention. When the pressure setting cannot be adjusted, a malfunction should always be suspected and radiographic imaging should be performed to assess the valve. Stator dislodgement is the most serious form of valve adjustment failure.

Background: Although lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts are thought to be less invasive, they are used less frequently compared with ventriculoperitoneal shunts in the treatment of communicating hydrocephalus. This may be due to limitations such as troublesome patient positioning, difficulty in valve pressure confirmation and adjustment, and concerns regarding overdrainage. The aim of this study was to increase operator familiarization with the technical aspects of LP shunt procedures., Methods: To reduce the abovementioned shortcomings, we developed a new device called SiphonGuard. Our method has the following technical advantages: avoidance of a halfway incision, valve placement between the dermis and subcutaneous fat in the patient's lumbar region near the puncture point, and minimal space requirement for valve placement., Results: Two reversible complications were experienced, and there were no infectious complications. A relatively low rate of complications was achieved. Valve pressure detection on an anteroposterior view of a plain abdominal X-ray was possible in all patients with our method., Conclusions: Our method provides solutions to certain troublesome issues concerning LP shunt procedures; in practical terms, resolution of these issues may contribute to more widespread usage of LP shunt procedures by neurosurgeons. In this study, we demonstrate our familiarization procedure for LP shunt procedures., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A primary focus of hospital treatment following admission for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a prevention of cerebral artery vasospasm, which may result in ischaemic stroke. Intraventricular catheter (IVC) insertion to facilitate cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drainage and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may reduce the incidence or severity of vasospasm, but insufficient evidence exists from which clinicians may determine the best practice of CSF management., Aims: The aim of this study was to provide the pilot data to explore the impact of different methods of CSF drainage on outcomes in patients with SAH., Methods: In this non-randomized observational study, patients diagnosed with SAH who had ICP monitoring in situ were prospectively enrolled. Group assignment was determined by the method of external ventricular drainage (EVD) management prescribed by the attending physician prior to enrollment., Results: The 37 subjects were disproportionately divided: open-EVD group (N = 24) and monitor-ICP group (N = 13). There were no statistically significant differences by group assignment with respect to vasospasm, length of stay (LOS), highest average ICP, total CSF drained and disability upon discharge between groups., Conclusions: Although not significant, our results show that the monitor-ICP group trended towards improved clinical outcomes. These results provide sufficient equipoise to support further research in ICP management in patients with SAH using a randomized clinical trial., Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study provides a solid foundation for the development of a randomized trial exploring two different methods of ICP monitoring and CSF diversion during the acute phase of care following aneurysm rupture., (© 2011 The Authors. Nursing in Critical Care © 2011 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.)

Objective: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and long-term shunt survival of the Strata CSF shunt were evaluated in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH)., Subjects and Methods: Seventy-two patients with INPH received a Strata valve. A CSF infusion test, neuroimaging and video recording of gait were performed at baseline and at 6 months (n = 68) after surgery. Long-term shunt survivals were obtained from patient records., Results: The shunt survival at 1 year was 94% and at 3 years 92.5%. Forty-nine patients (72%) had an improved gait. Two patients were improved despite non-functioning shunts, indicating a possible placebo response. Nineteen patients were not improved at the 6-month follow-up. The shunt tests revealed a functioning shunt in 12; thus, unnecessary shunt revisions could be avoided. Seventeen patients showed a siphoning effect. Shunt revisions were made in six patients. Eight hygromas/subdural hematomas were found., Conclusions: The long-term survival of the Strata valves was good, and a concern of complications is not a reason to exclude elderly with INPH from shunt surgery. Studies are needed to evaluate pros and cons of the anti-siphon device. Using a CSF shunt test, unnecessary shunt revisions may be avoided., (© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Purpose: Ventricular catheter drainage holes of shunt systems used to treat hydrocephalus obstruct with tissue commonly comprising monocytes/macrophages, astrocytes, and giant cells. Despite high rates of obstruction, very few studies have manipulated drainage hole orientation, number, position, or diameter. By altering the hole diameter but maintaining a constant hole surface area, we manipulated shear stress through the holes, which we hypothesized would change the degree of macrophage and astrocyte attachment., Methods: First, a hole fabrication method was chosen from two fabrication techniques including punched holes in catheter tubing and constructed holes using nanofabrication techniques., Results: Punched holes were chosen to vary hole size from 282 to 975 μm because (1) samples were geometrically similar to commercially available ventricular catheters without significant microscopic differences in roughness values and (2) total macrophage and astrocyte adhesion on the punched holes was not significantly different from adhesion on the commercially available catheters. Overall adhesion from least to most adherent appeared to follow 975 < 754 ≈ 500 < 282-μm hole diameter for macrophages and 975 < 500 < 754 < 282 for astrocytes with an obvious dependency on catheter orientation with respect to the horizontal; a dependency to the proximity of the hole to the catheter tip was not observed., Conclusion: This study suggests that macrophage and astrocyte adhesion generally decreases with increasing hole diameter under flow conditions and underscores the necessity for future work to examine how hole diameter impacts inflammatory-based shunt obstruction.

Objective: The germinal matrix hemorrhage in premature infants is related to the immaturity of the subependymal vascular bed. Posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation (PVD) in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBI) is a medical challenge and is associated with a high risk of long-term disability. Our aim was to find a safe and gentle surgical technique for external ventricular drainage implantation for this patient population., Patients and Methods: We implanted eight external ventricular drainages in ELBI with birth weights ranging from 479 to 884 g (24 to 27 weeks gestational age) and a grade III to IV hemorrhage, who developed a PVD soon after birth. A replacement of the drainage was required three times in one infant with a birth weight of 479 g. Due to the subcutaneous tunneling and drawing of the catheter through the sleeve, the skin contact remains slight, and thus, infections are avoided., Results: There were no complications during the procedures which can also be carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit. Only in one case (479 g birth weight and severe concomitant diseases) was an infection observed, though the origin was most likely abdominal. In the same case, a temporary leakage was treated by suture. This patient died of non-neurological complications related to the patient's prematurity. Three of the five preterms were shunted over time., Conclusions: Although there is only a small number of extremely low birth weight infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus who were treated with this technique, our findings suggest that this method is very safe and useful. It reduces the risk of infection and cerebrospinal fluid leaks and might be a better alternative to serial lumbar or transfontanel punctures in extremely low birth weight infants for bridging the first weeks of life.