The Development of the Shunt Guiding Kit for the Proper Positioning of the Proximal Shunt Catheter to the Lateral Ventricle in the Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt Operation

ABSTRACT

Object: To treat hydrocephalus by ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation, the correct positioning of the proximal catheter in the ventricle is very important. The purpose of this study was to develop the "shunt guiding kit" for the proper positioning of the proximal shunt catheter to the ventricle in the ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The "shunt guiding kit" is made of tungsten alloy and it consists of one frame, two screws and one guider. Through the guider, the proximal shunt catheter operates by mechanically coupling the posterior burr hole to the anterior target point. RESULTS: We have treated three hydrocephalus patients with use of the "shunt guiding kit", and achieved good location of proximal shunt catheters. CONCLUSION: We developed the "shunt guiding kit" for the proper positioning of the proximal shunt catheter to the ventricle, and this would be very useful for preventing ventriculo-peritoneal shunt malfunction and preventing possible brain injury during the procedures.