Confirmation of the initial pressure setting in Codman-Hakim programmable valves under magnification--technical note

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Codman-Hakim programmable valves enable adjustable opening pressures for patient-specific neurosurgical needs.
• The small size of the pressure control cam presents challenges in identifying and operating it accurately before implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the difficulty in identifying and operating the small pressure control cam of Codman-Hakim programmable valves.
• To propose a practical solution for enhancing the usability of these neurosurgical devices.

Main Methods:

• A commercial loupe was utilized with the program transmitter unit.
• The loupe was employed to magnify the view of the pressure control cam.

Main Results:

• Sufficient enlargement of the cam was achieved, allowing for clear identification.
• The use of a loupe facilitated easier and more accurate setting of the valve's opening pressure.

Conclusions:

• Employing a commercial loupe effectively overcomes the challenge of the small pressure control cam.
• Incorporating a loupe into the product design by the manufacturer is recommended for improved usability and sophistication.