Programmable Shunt Assistant tested in Cambridge shunt evaluation laboratory

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The programmable Shunt Assistant (ProSA) is a novel shunt system for managing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders.
• Its magnetic adjustability is intended to modify CSF drainage specifically in the vertical body position.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance and reliability of the ProSA shunt system in combination with a fixed differential pressure valve.
• To assess the system's ability to adjust CSF drainage according to body posture and compensate for overdrainage.

Main Methods:

• Testing the mechanical durability and hydrodynamic performance of the ProSA system over a 60-day period.
• Analyzing flow-pressure performance curves and operating pressures in vertical and horizontal positions.
• Investigating the effect of external magnetic programming and strong magnetic fields (3-T MRI) on the system's settings.

Main Results:

• The ProSA system demonstrated good mechanical durability and stable hydrodynamic performance.
• Flow-pressure characteristics remained within manufacturer specifications and adjusted according to programmed levels.
• The system exhibited higher hydrodynamic resistance in the vertical position, with adjustable operating pressures and reliable external programming unaffected by strong magnetic fields.

Conclusions:

• The ProSA functions as a low-resistance, fixed-pressure valve in the horizontal position and an adjustable, normal-resistance valve in the vertical position.
• The system effectively compensates for posture-related overdrainage, offering a potential solution for managing hydrocephalus.
• External programming is reliable and unaffected by strong magnetic fields, ensuring consistent performance.