Abstract
MECHANICAL means have in the past been tested to drain peritoneal fluid into the venous system<sup>1,2</sup>but none has been successful due mainly to a propensity for clotting. The analogous problem of draining cerebrospinal fluid in hydrocephalus has been assisted by insertion of a manually compressable subcutaneous pump in the line which helps to keep the system patent.<sup>3,4</sup>Smith reported using such a device for drainage of ascitic fluid in one patient.<sup>5</sup>This is a report of the development of a peritoneal-right atrial shunt fitted with a plastic clearing pump that has been used in eight patients. <h3>Description of Device</h3> The shunt has three elements: the intraperitoneal collecting sump, the connecting tubes containing the one-way valves, and the flushing pump. Each has undergone progressive modification during this clinical experience.<sup>6,7</sup>The shunt now used is illustrated (Fig 1). <h3>Sump.</h3> —The intraperitoneal collecting device consists of a double
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