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Protein adsorption to hydrocephalus shunt catheters: CSF protein adsorption
H L Brydon1, G Keir, E J Thompson
1Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
Objective:
To assess the quantity and nature of the proteins that adsorb to hydrocephalus shunt catheters after implantation, and to determine whether sufficient could accumulate to obstruct the catheter.
Design:
Elution of proteins from 102 explanted shunt catheters, with protein assay and electrophoresis of the eluate, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the catheters.
Results:
The amount of protein elutable was extremely low, and significant protein, apart from a thin film, was not found on SEM. Qualitative analysis disclosed that most of the adsorbed protein was albumin.
Conclusions:
Protein deposition on hydrocephalus catheters does not occur in sufficient quantities to cause catheter obstruction.