Cerebral ventricular shunts
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
J F Naradzay1, B J Browne, M A Rolnick
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Cerebral ventricular shunts are siphoning devices used to treat hydrocephalus. They are placed within cerebral ventricles and peripheral cavities such as the ventricular atrium or peritoneal cavity. Complications include obstruction of cerebral spinal fluid (malfunction) and infection. Morbidity and mortality rates are high when shunt malfunction and infection are not treated emergently. This report summarizes the physical examination of patients with ventricular shunts, reviews the type of shunts commonly used, discusses shunt malfunctions (causing overshunting or undershunting of cerebrospinal fluid) and infections, and makes recommendations concerning empiric antibiotic therapy for shunt infection. The technique of tapping a shunt is presented for management of patients with elevated intracranial pressure that does not respond to non-invasive maneuvers to lower the pressure.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology