New ventricular catheter for hydrocephalic shunts

Abstract

✓ A new ventricular catheter is described for ventriculoatrial (or peritoneal) shunts. Soft silicone rubber flanges fold back on insertion to protect the holes at the tip from debris. After entering the ventricle, the flanges expand to prevent the catheter from impinging on the ventricular wall. The number of revisions for occluded ventricular catheters has dramatically decreased with its use.