Related Experiment Videos
Fluid flow performance of a new siphon-control device for ventricular shunts
1Neurosurgical Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|June 1, 1990
Summary
A new siphon-control device (SCD) effectively prevents overshunting in cerebrospinal fluid diversion systems. When combined with differential-pressure valves, the SCD maintains atmospheric pressure, improving patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion systems commonly use differential-pressure valves.
- These valves can lead to overshunting and complications from siphonage in the erect position.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new siphon-control device (SCD) for CSF diversion.
- To assess the SCD's performance alone and with various differential-pressure valves.
Main Methods:
- Tested the SCD with four types of differential-pressure valves (low, medium, high opening pressures).
- Measured valve inlet/outlet pressures and resistance at varying fluid inflow rates (2.0-50.0 ml/hr).
- Varied outlet pressures from 0 to -60 cm H2O.
Main Results:
- No tested differential-pressure valve alone prevented siphoning without the SCD.
- The SCD enabled all tested valves to maintain atmospheric pressure irrespective of outlet pressure.
- The SCD demonstrated improved design and construction over older anti-siphon devices.
Conclusions:
- The SCD is crucial for preventing overshunting in CSF diversion systems.
- The added resistance from the inline SCD is functionally insignificant with low opening pressure valves.