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Clinical experience with a new pressure-adjustable shunt valve
A Reinprecht1, T Czech, W Dietrich
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Vienna, Austria.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|January 1, 1995
Summary
The Codman Medos programmable valve system allows adjustable pressure for hydrocephalus treatment. This study shows good to excellent outcomes in most patients, with pressure adjustments effectively managing complications like underdrainage.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Devices
- Hydrocephalus Management
Background:
- Hydrocephalus necessitates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.
- Programmable valves offer adjustable CSF flow rates.
- The Codman Medos valve provides 18 pressure settings (30-200 mm H2O).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Codman Medos pressure-adjustable valve system.
- To assess clinical outcomes in patients shunted with this device.
- To determine the utility of postoperative valve pressure adjustments.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 90 patients (15 children, 75 adults) received Codman Medos shunts.
- Indications included various hydrocephalus types, shunt malfunctions, arachnoid cysts, and pseudotumors.
- Valve pressure was pre-programmed and adjusted postoperatively based on clinical status.
Main Results:
- Excellent outcomes were achieved in 64 patients, with 19 showing good improvement.
- Underdrainage complications in 5 patients were managed by adjusting valve pressure in 2 cases.
- One valve malfunction occurred due to mechanical obstruction; overall outcomes were favorable.
Conclusions:
- The Codman Medos valve is effective for managing hydrocephalus.
- Postoperative pressure adjustability is beneficial, particularly for pediatric and normal pressure hydrocephalus patients.
- The system allows for tailored CSF drainage, improving clinical results.