Ventriculovenous shunt against the direction of blood flow: a new approach for shunting the cerebrospinal fluid to the venous circulation

Abstract

Fifty hydrocephalic children have been treated during the past 2 years by shunting the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the internal jugular vein (IJV) against the direction of blood flow. Shunting the CSF in this way prevents the development of siphonage in the erect posture and regulates the intraventricular pressure (IVP) within normal limits. Most of the commonly encountered complications with current extracranial shunts did not occur. The ventriculomegaly regressed in patients with rigid craniums. The enormously enlarged head was reduced in size as a result of surgery in five infants. A shunting catheter with a simple unidirectional valve was used to establish the ventriculovenous (VV) connection. Shuntography was done on two patients.