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Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Shunt Overdrainage Caused by Displacement of the Pressure Control Cam after Pressure Adjustment
Su-Ho Kim1, Yoon-Soo Lee1, Min-Seok Lee1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Daegu Fatima Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
Insights
A rare malfunction of the Codman-Hakim programmable valve, a common hydrocephalus treatment, occurred due to a displaced pressure control cam. This rare valve issue caused cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage, necessitating shunt revision.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The Codman-Hakim programmable valve is a widely used shunt system for treating hydrocephalus.
- While common, shunt malfunctions like catheter obstruction or disconnection can occur.
- Intrinsic valve malfunction is rare, but can lead to critical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage issues.
Abstract:
Although the Codman-Hakim programmable valve is one of most popular shunt systems used in the clinical practice for the treatment of hydrocephalus, malfunctions related with this system have been also reported which lead to underdrainage or overdrainage of the cerebrospinal fluid. While obstruction of the ventricular catheter by tissue materials or hematoma and catheter disconnection are relatively common, the malfunction of the valve itself is rare. Herein, we report on a rare case of shunt overdrainage caused by displacement of the pressure control cam after pressure adjustment. A 57-year-old female, who underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt eight years ago, experienced aggravating symptoms of shunt overdrainage after pressure adjustment. Displacement of the pressure control cam was revealed on the X-ray, and a shunt revision was performed. The purpose of this report is to provide a working knowledge of the valve structure and to enhance the ability to interpret the valve setting on an X-ray for diagnosis of valve malfunction.
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