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Comparative study of two customary cerebrospinal fluid shunting systems in early childhood hydrocephalus

C Smely1, V Van Velthoven

  • 1Neurochirurgische Universitätsklinik, Neurozentrum, Freiburg, Federal Republic of Germany.

Acta Neurochirurgica
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Hydrocephalic infants treated with the Orbis-Sigma Valve (OSV) system experienced significantly fewer shunt complications than those receiving the Holter Valve (HV) system. This study highlights the OSV system

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Clinical studies on hydrocephalus treatment are often limited by patient and device variability.
  • Shunt systems are crucial for managing hydrocephalus in infants and children.
  • Comparing different shunt systems is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a homogeneous clinical study comparing the Orbis-Sigma Valve (OSV) system with the Holter Valve (HV) system in hydrocephalic infants.
  • To evaluate shunt insufficiency and complication rates between the two valve systems.
  • To analyze revision and survival rates associated with each shunt system.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 66 hydrocephalic newborns and infants were exclusively treated with the CORDIS Orbis-Sigma Valve (OSV) system (1990-1995).
  • Results were compared to an equivalent group of 53 children treated with the CODMAN Holter Valve (HV) system (1986-1991).
  • Shunt insufficiency and complication reasons were investigated for both groups.

Main Results:

  • Patients treated with the ventriculo-peritoneal OSV system (VP-OSV) showed a significantly lower risk of shunt complications compared to ventriculo-atrial HV treated patients (VA-HV).
  • The mean surgical procedures per person were 1.98 for VP-OSV versus 4.22 for VA-HV.
  • Differences in revision and survival rates between the two systems were observed and discussed.

Conclusions:

  • The CORDIS Orbis-Sigma Valve (OSV) system, particularly in ventriculo-peritoneal placement, demonstrates a superior safety profile with fewer complications than the CODMAN Holter Valve (HV) system in pediatric hydrocephalus.
  • The findings suggest that device selection significantly impacts shunt complication rates and the need for revision surgeries.
  • Further discussion on specific challenges and long-term outcomes associated with each system is warranted.

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