Interactions between programmable shunt valves and the iPad 3 with Smart Cover

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Programmable CSF shunt valves are susceptible to magnetic interference, potentially altering settings.
• Environmental magnetic fields pose a risk of unintentional adjustment in patients with shunted hydrocephalus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the iPad 3 with Smart Cover can alter programmable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt valve settings.
• To assess the magnetic influence of the iPad 3 on various ex vivo programmable shunt valves.

Main Methods:

• Tested six programmable shunt valve models: Strata NSC, Strata II, Sophysa Polaris, Aesculap proGAV, and Codman Certas.
• Exposed valves to the magnetic flux of an iPad 3 with Smart Cover, focusing on the strongest magnetic area.
• Utilized direct fluoroscopic visualization to monitor changes in valve pressure settings during magnetic exposure.

Main Results:

• Most tested shunt valves remained unaffected by the iPad 3's magnetic field.
• The Strata II small valve was reprogrammed when exposed to the iPad 3's magnetic flux at a distance of 4 mm.
• Valve pressure settings of the Strata II small valve consistently changed with rotational magnetic flux exposure.

Conclusions:

• The iPad 3 poses a risk of altering Strata II small valve settings, even at distances comparable to scalp thickness.
• Informed awareness of this risk is crucial for hydrocephalus patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
• This finding highlights the need for caution when using the iPad 3 near patients with specific programmable CSF shunt valves.