Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting is a procedure to treat hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, creating harmful pressure. Shunting involves implanting a thin, flexible tube that diverts the excess fluid to the abdominal cavity where it is naturally absorbed.
Hydrocephalus can occur at any age and may result from congenital abnormalities, brain hemorrhage, infection, tumors, or age related changes in fluid absorption. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vision changes, difficulty walking, and cognitive decline.
How the Procedure Works
Dr. Waldron places a small catheter into one of the brain’s ventricles through a small opening in the skull. This catheter connects to a programmable valve that regulates the rate of fluid drainage. A second catheter is tunneled under the skin to the abdominal cavity. The programmable valve can be adjusted externally using a magnetic device.
- Ventricular catheter placed through a small skull opening
- Programmable valve for adjustable fluid drainage
- Peritoneal catheter tunneled to the abdomen
- External adjustability without additional surgery
What Recovery Looks Like
Hospital stays are typically one to three days. Most patients experience improvement in symptoms within days of surgery. The shunt is intended to function long term, though it requires lifelong monitoring. Valve adjustments may be made during office visits using an external programmer.