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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt migration into the pulmonary artery
Elvis J Hermann1, Michael Zimmermann, Gerhard Marquardt
1Department of Neurosurgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Hermann.Elvis@mh-hannover.de
Acta Neurochirurgica
|April 8, 2009
Summary
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts can rarely migrate into the pulmonary artery. Minimally invasive techniques offer effective treatment for this rare complication, ensuring proper catheter placement.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is a primary treatment for hydrocephalus.
- VP shunt complications can occur along the catheter's path.
- Rare distal catheter migrations include gastric, bowel, and diaphragmatic locations.
Observation:
- This review discusses the rare complication of VP shunt distal catheter migration into the pulmonary artery.
- A case study highlights minimally invasive treatment for this condition.
Findings:
- The presented patient underwent successful treatment with a new distal catheter placed intraperitoneally.
- Postoperative imaging confirmed appropriate catheter placement.
Implications:
- Nonsurgical percutaneous intravascular foreign body retrieval techniques are valuable alternatives.
- Potential complications of retrieval include arrhythmia and further migration.
- A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing this rare VP shunt complication.
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