Design of an intelligent and personalised shunting system for hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease that manifests itself in an elevated fluid pressure within the brain, and if left untreated, may be fatal. It is currently treated using shunt implants, which consist of a mechanical valve and tubes that regulate the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by draining excess fluid into the abdomen. Hydrocephalus shunting systems are no longer expected simply to regulate the intracranial pressure (ICP), but also to offer the option of regaining independence of the shunt. Additionally, they could offer personalised valve management which is one of the main limitations of current shunts. This paper describes the design of a multi-agent system for an intelligent and personalised CSF management system. Patient feedback and intracranial pressure readings will play important roles in the process of CSF regulation and weaning, introduces an element of personalisation to the treatment. The new shunting system would deliver both reactive and goal-driven solutions for the treatment, at the same time the intelligent part of the system will be monitoring how well the shunt is performing. These tasks can be achieved by implementing an agent approach in designing this system. Such system would help us to understand more about the dynamics of hydrocephalus.