What is a Codman shunt?

What is a Codman shunt?

The Codman Hakim Programmable Shunt is an innovative system that gives neurosurgeons the ability to tailor the valve opening pressure to the unique needs of each individual within a range of 18 pressure settings.

Can VP shunts be programmable?

With a programmable VP shunt, your neurosurgeon can adjust the shunt’s pressure settings, even after it has been placed. In general, a higher pressure setting means less CSF is being drained. A lower pressure setting means more CSF is being drained. The settings are different for each manufacturer.

What is a programmable Ventriculoperitoneal shunt?

A programmable shunt is a type of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) that is used for treatment for hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease literally meaning water on the brain and can be very disabling.

Are all VP shunts MRI compatible?

Must read: The MR safety policy If the shunt is known not to be a programmable shunt, then 1.5T and 3T MRI may safely proceed. If it is established that a shunt is a programmable device, then follow the instructions outlined in the instructions for use for that particular device.

What are the different types of shunts?

What are the most common shunt systems?

• Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. This type of shunt diverts CSF from the ventricles of the brain into the peritoneal cavity, the space in the abdomen where the digestive organs are located.
• Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts.
• Ventriculopleural (VPL) shunts.
• Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts.

How long does a shunt last?

It is difficult to predict how long shunts will last, but some practitioners note that about half of all shunts need to be revised or replaced after 6 years.

Do programmable shunts fail?

A shunt is said to have failed when any complication of the treatment of hydrocephalus requires surgery. Symptoms of a cerebral shunt malfunction may be obvious, redness over the shunt, headache, sleepiness, vomiting, or visual changes.

How long do VP shunts last in adults?

VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant’s shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years. Shunt systems require frequent monitoring and follow-up.

Is VP shunt permanent?

There can be bleeding, or an infection can develop. VP shunts do not work forever. When the shunt stops working: The child can have another buildup of fluid in the brain.

Is there metal in a VP shunt?

The catheter is made of implantation steel and consists of a corrugated tube that renders it flexible. Cerebrospinal fluid drains into a receptable bulb at the tip of the tube.

When were programmable shunts invented?

This was further revolutionized with the introduction of programmable VP shunts in the 1980s. With programmable shunts, overdrainage and underdrainage of CSF could be treated with noninvasive adjustments to the pressure settings, either by increasing or decreasing the valve settings, respectively.