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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
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What we should know about the cellular and tissue response causing catheter obstruction in the treatment of

Carolyn A Harris1, James P McAllister

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. carolyn.anne.harris@gmail.com

Neurosurgery
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Ventricular catheter obstruction is a common problem in hydrocephalus treatment. This review explores modifications to shunts, including surgical strategies and catheter design, to prolong their lifespan and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Neurosurgery
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Hydrocephalus treatment often involves cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.
  • Ventricular catheter obstruction is a significant complication, leading to shunt failure.
  • Obstruction can be caused by normal brain cells or pathological cells in CSF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes of ventricular catheter obstruction in hydrocephalus.
  • To identify modifications to ventricular catheters that may reduce obstruction.
  • To explore strategies for prolonging shunt longevity and improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on ventricular catheter obstruction.
  • Analysis of modifications to surgical strategies.
  • Examination of changes to catheter surface chemistry and architecture.

Main Results:

  • Obstruction is multifactorial, involving cellular adhesion and material interactions.
  • Modifications to catheter surface properties can influence cell interaction.
  • Altering catheter architecture and surgical techniques may impact obstruction rates.

Conclusions:

  • A combination of approaches, including surgical, chemical, and architectural modifications, is likely necessary.
  • Optimizing ventricular catheter design and implantation can improve hydrocephalus treatment.
  • Prolonging shunt function is key to better patient outcomes in hydrocephalus management.

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