Effect of Protein Concentration on the Flow of Cerebrospinal Fluid Through Shunt Tubing

Abstract

In our laboratory setting, there was decreased resistance of adult CSF shunt catheters with and without a valve as the concentration of protein in the CSF increased. The decrease in the resistance of CSF shunt catheters with the addition of protein to the CSF may be related to the lowering of surface tension. This is the first study to examine the effects of varying protein concentrations across different lengths of shunt tubing for both new and explanted catheters.