Shunt Devices for Neurointensivists: Complications and Management

Cerebrospinal fluid diversion has become the mainstay treatment in hydrocephalus for over 50 years. As the number of patients with ventricular shunt systems increases, neurointensivists are becoming the first-line physicians for many of these patients. When symptoms of a shunt malfunction are suspected and access to a neurosurgeon is limited or delayed, workup and temporizing measures must be initiated. The article highlights the functional nuances, complications, and management of current programmable shunt valves and their MRI sensitivity.