Multiflanged ventricular Portnoy catheter for hydrocephalus shunts

In 77 patients with hydrocephalus the Portnoy ventricular catheter was incorporated in ventriculoatrial or ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Occlusion of the catheter by brain debris was avoided and the number of choroid plexus obstructions was reasonable low (5%). The flanges of the catheter cannot prevent the catheter from being pushed into the brain parenchyma. The ideal ventricular catheter has not yet been found, but the multiflanged Portnoy catheter seems to be the best at present.