What are the 2 types of shunts?
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt moves fluid from the ventricles of the brain to the abdominal cavity. A ventriculoatrial shunt moves fluid from the ventricles of the brain to a chamber of the heart. A lumboperitoneal shunt moves fluid from the lower back to the abdominal cavity.
What are the types of shunt?
The most common shunt systems are:
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. This type of shunt diverts CSF from the ventricles of the brain into the peritoneal cavity, the space in the abdomen where the digestive organs are located.
- Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts.
- Ventriculopleural (VPL) shunts.
- Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts.
What is a shunt for kids?
Surgically implanting a shunt in a ventricle is the most common way to treat hydrocephalus in infants and children. A shunt is a small, flexible tube and valve system that allows fluid to drain. It is placed in the ventricle to drain cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain and into the body, where it can be absorbed.
How many shunts are there?
In broad terms there are two types of shunts. Fixed pressure shunts have a valve that is pre-set to respond to a specific intracranial pressure such as low, medium or high. Programmable shunts allow the neurosurgeon to set the pressure at which the valve will open, allowing it to be programmed for individual needs.
Why do children need shunts?
Why Are VP Shunts Placed? VP shunts are placed to treat hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus (hi-droh-SEF-eh-less) happens when CSF does not drain out of the hollow spaces inside the brain (called ventricles) as it should. VP shunts drain the extra fluid and help prevent pressure from getting too high in the brain.
What are shunts made of?
Shunts are made of soft, flexible tubing about 3mm in diameter. A shunt is inserted into the body by a neurosurgeon while the patient is under a general anaesthetic.
What is a Ventriculopleural shunt?
Ventriculopleural (VPL) shunts divert CSF into the absorptive pleural space. They are generally considered a second-line option and have higher failure and complication rates than do ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts.