The Sensor Reservoir-does it change management?

The Miethke Sensor Reservoir sits within a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system to give a reading of the pressure within the shunt. This information can guide the management of hydrocephalus patients who present frequently with headaches.

We reviewed a cohort of 12 patients who underwent implantation of a Sensor Reservoir to assess how the management of their symptoms changed over a 4-year period.

When comparing the group before the Sensor Reservoir and after the Sensor Reservoir insertion, there was a 75% reduction in number of CT head scans (P<0.05), 100% reduction in episodes of ICP monitoring (P<0.05), 55% reduction in number of X-ray shunt series, and a 50% reduction in acute presentation to hospital with shunt-related symptoms. The number of clinic attendances increased by 44%. In addition, cost analysis showed a saving of £6952 per patients over the 2-year period following Sensor Reservoir insertion as a result of reduced admissions and investigations. Complications were seen in 3 patients-two patients developed shunt-related infections, and 1 patient underwent shunt revision due to a proximal shunt obstruction. Seventy-five percent of patients showed an improvement in their symptoms at the end of the 4-year period.

Implantation of a Sensor Reservoir in shunt patients with chronic headaches can reduce the number of investigations and hospital admissions and guide management resulting in a clinical improvement.