Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ventriculopleural shunt placement: a minimally invasive technique
Valentina Baro1, Francesco Fascetti Leon2, Luca Sartori3
1Department of Neurosciences, Academic Neurosurgery, University of Padova Medical School, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy. valentina.baro@unipd.it.
Objective:
Ventriculopleural shunt is still considered a third-line option for CSF diversion, when both peritoneal and atrial cavity are contraindicated. Different approaches have been used and in modern surgery, lesser invasive techniques are predominant. The goal of this manuscript is to present a minimally invasive placement of a pleural catheter.
Methods:
We describe a minimally invasive approach to the pleural space using an a-traumatic peel-away introducer under ultrasonographic intraoperative control. Furthermore, consideration about complications, follow-up and advantages of the abovementioned technique will be discussed.
Conclusions:
Percutaneous US guided placement for pleural catheter is a safer and modern minimally invasive approach to the pleural space. Pleural effusion is the predominant complication, encountered especially in younger children.
