Distal Shunt Catheter Research Articles

LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED TREATMENT OF HYDROCEPHALUS IN ADULTS: OUR OWN MODIFICATION

Introduction: Laparoscopy has been used as an aid in the placement of abdominal ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts since 1993. Laparoscopic procedures are safe and allow direct visualization of the correct position of the catheter, and confirmation of shunt function. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe our own method of introduction of the distal catheter in the right subdiaphragmatic space using the falciform ligament, which prevents catheter migration, distal obstruction and internal organ damage and compare it with existing literature. Materials and Methods: Data was collected retrospectively for all VP shunt implantations and revisions performed in adults with hydrocephalus during the period November 2011 to November 2020. In all 51 cases of VP shunt insertion, the distal shunt catheter was implanted using our own modification of the laparoscopic method. Results: In total, there were 66 shunt procedures performed during the study period. The majority of procedures (86.3% 57/66) were implantation of a new VP shunt, and 13.6% (9/66) were revision surgeries for replacement of a VP shunt due to catheter occlusion. Median follow up was 2.5 years. Most patients (89.5%, 51/57) underwent laparoscopic surgery. Conclusions: Our modified laparoscopic method shows that this accessible, minimally invasive procedure is beneficial for patients with hydrocephalus and significantly decreases the rate of complications. The laparoscopic falciform technique significantly reduces the rate of distal VP shunt obstruction. The duration of surgery and the risk of infection have been also reduced. In addition, collaboration and simultaneous work of neurosurgeons and general surgeons strengthens companionship between departments.

Migration of the distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter into the stomach with or without trans-oral extrusion: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Intra-gastric migration of the distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) catheter clinically presenting with or without trans-oral extrusion is one of the rare complications of VPS catheter insertion. To identify the demographics, clinical presentation, clinical findings, and results of surgical therapy offered for the treatment of intra-gastric migration of the distal VPS catheter, clinically presented with or without trans-oral extrusion. An online search was performed for the extraction/retrieval of the published/ available literature pertaining to the above-mentioned VPS complication. Manuscripts were searched from PubMed, PMC (PubMed Central), ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases using various terminology relating to the VPS complications. The first case of migration of a VPS catheter into the stomach was reported in the year 1980, and the data were retrieved from 1980 to December 2022. Cases were categorized into two groups; Group A: Cases who had migration of the distal VPS catheter into the stomach and clinically presented with trans-oral extrusion of the same, and Group B: Cases who had migration of the distal VPS catheter into the stomach, but presented without trans-oral extrusion. A total of n = 46 cases (n = 27; 58.69% male, and n = 19; 41.3% females) were recruited for the systematic review. Group A included n = 32, and Group B n = 14 cases. Congenital hydrocephalus was the indication for the primary VPS insertion for approximately half of the (n = 22) cases. Approximately sixty percent (n = 27) of them were children ≤ 5 years of age at the time of the diagnosis of the complication mentioned above. In seventy-two percent (n = 33) cases, this complication was detected within 24 mo after the VPS insertion/last shunt revision. Clinical diagnosis was evident for the entire group A cases. Various diagnostic modalities were used to confirm the diagnosis for Group B cases. Various surgical procedures were offered for the management of the complication in n = 43 cases of both Groups. In two instances, intra-gastric migration of the distal VPS catheter was detected during the autopsy. This review documented four deaths. Intra-gastric migration of the peritoneal end of a VPS catheter is one of the rare complications of VPS catheter implantation done for the treatment of hydrocephalus across all age groups. It was more frequently reported in children, although also reported in adults and older people. A very high degree of clinical suspicion is required for the diagnosis of a case of an intra-gastric migration of the distal VPS catheter clinically presenting without trans-oral extrusion.

Management of cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts in the laparoscopic age.

Abdominal CSF pseudocysts are an uncommon but challenging complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Pseudocysts consist of a loculated intraperitoneal compartment that inadequately absorbs CSF and may be infected or sterile at diagnosis. The treatment goal is to clear infection if present, reduce inflammation, and reestablish long-term function in an absorptive (intraperitoneal) space. This aim of this paper was to study the efficacy of primary laparoscopic repositioning of the distal shunt catheter for treatment of sterile abdominal CSF pseudocysts. All patients treated for abdominal CSF pseudocysts at Dallas Children's Health from 1991 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient history and pseudocyst characteristics were analyzed, with a primary outcome of pseudocyst recurrence at 1 year. Of 92 primary pseudocysts, 5 initial treatment strategies (groups) were used depending on culture status, clinical history, and surgeon preference: 1) shunt explant/external ventricular drain (EVD) placement (23/92), 2) distal tubing externalization (13/92), 3) laparoscopic repositioning (35/92), 4) open repositioning (4/92), and 5) other methods such as pseudocyst drainage or direct revision to another terminus (17/92). Seventy pseudocysts underwent shunt reimplantation in the peritoneal space. The 1-year peritoneal shunt survival for groups 1 and 2 combined was 90%, and 62% for group 3. In group 3, 1-year survival was better for those with normal systemic inflammatory markers (100%) than for those with high markers (47%) (p = 0.042). In a univariate Cox proportional hazards model, the risk of pseudocyst recurrence was increased if the most recent abdominal procedure was a nonshunt abdominal surgery (p = 0.012), and it approached statistical significance with male sex (p = 0.054) and elevated inflammatory markers (p = 0.056. Multivariate Cox analysis suggested increased recurrence risk with male sex (p = 0.05) and elevated inflammatory markers (p = 0.06), although the statistical significance threshold was not reached. The length of hospital stay was shorter for laparoscopic repositioning (6 days) than for explantation/EVD placement (21 days) (p < 0.0001). Ultimately, 62% of patients had a peritoneal terminus at the last follow-up, 33% (n = 30) had an extraperitoneal terminus (19 pleura, 8 right heart, and 3 gallbladder), and 5 patients were shunt free. Some sterile pseudocysts with normal systemic inflammatory markers can be effectively treated with laparoscopic repositioning, resulting in a significantly shorter hospitalization and modestly higher recurrence rate than shunt explantation.

The Gordian knot of hydrocephalus: constrictive entanglement of distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter.

We recently cared for a patient with a distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction. The peritoneal catheter was coiled in a scarred pseudocyst, and we encountered strong resistance while attempting to remove the distal shunt catheter. The catheter was successfully removed under laparoscopic guidance and was found to be tightly coiled in a constrictive knot. We describe a technique for managing this unusual presentation to minimize the risk of complications.

Permanent Visual Impairment due to Delayed Diagnosis of Shunt Malfunction in Case of Lack of Typical Features of Increased Intracranial Pressure and Unchanged Ventricular Size

Objective: We present the clinical features, imaging, and management of 5 cases of visual impairment as the primary manifestation ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunt malfunction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 126 patients of V-P shunt malfunction in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center between 2015 and 2020. Medical records including all hospital admissions were reviewed and follow-up data were collected. Results: Five children (3.97%) had visual impairment as the primary manifestation of V-P shunt malfunction, with a mild or no headache. Four broken distal shunt catheters and one proximal catheter blockage were confirmed intraoperatively and cured by surgery. None of the patients had a definite improvement in ophthalmic examinations after 4–52 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Visual impairment as the primary manifestation of V-P shunt malfunction was uncommon and could be easily missed or misdiagnosed as the only problem for lack of typical features of increased intracranial pressure and unchanged ventricular size. Earlier definitive diagnosis and surgical intervention could prevent a further development of the visual loss caused by V-P shunt malfunction.

Reducing the risks of proximal and distal shunt failure in adult hydrocephalus: a shunt outcomes quality improvement study.

Patient outcomes of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery, the mainstay treatment for hydrocephalus in adults, are poor because of high shunt failure rates. The use of neuronavigation or laparoscopy can reduce the risks of proximal or distal shunt catheter failure, respectively, but has less independent effect on overall shunt failures. No adult studies to date have combined both approaches in the setting of a shunt infection prevention protocol to reduce shunt failure. The goal of this study was to determine whether combining neuronavigation and laparoscopy with a shunt infection prevention strategy would reduce the incidence of shunt failures in adult hydrocephalic patients. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) undergoing VP shunt surgery at a tertiary care institution prior to (pre-Shunt Outcomes [ShOut]) and after (post-ShOut) the start of a prospective continuous quality improvement (QI) study were compared. Pre-ShOut patients had their proximal and distal catheters placed under conventional freehand approaches. Post-ShOut patients had their shunts inserted with neuronavigational and laparoscopy assistance in placing the distal catheter in the perihepatic space (falciform technique). A shunt infection reduction protocol had been instituted 1.5 years prior to the start of the QI initiative. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of shunt failure (including infection) confirmed by standardized criteria indicating shunt revision surgery. There were 244 (115 pre-ShOut and 129 post-ShOut) patients observed over 7 years. With a background of shunt infection prophylaxis, combined neuronavigation and laparoscopy was associated with a reduction in overall shunt failure rates from 37% to 14%, 45% to 22%, and 51% to 29% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively (HR 0.44, p < 0.001). Shunt infection rates decreased from 8% in the pre-ShOut group to 0% in the post-ShOut group. There were no proximal catheter failures in the post-ShOut group. The 2-year rates of distal catheter failure were 42% versus 20% in the pre- and post-ShOut groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Introducing a shunt infection prevention protocol, placing the proximal catheter under neuronavigation, and placing the peritoneal catheter in the perihepatic space by using the falciform technique led to decreased rates of infection, distal shunt failure, and overall shunt failure.

Systematic literature review of the management of transanal extrusion of distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter: 1966–2020

Perforation of the colon with or without transanal extrusion of the distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) catheter is a well-known but a serious complication after VPS insertion done for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The objectives were to review the demographics, clinical characteristics, operative procedures performed, postoperative complications, and the final outcome of the published cases, relating to the transanal extrusion of the distal VPS shunt catheter. Electronic database search was performed to retrieve the published/available literature relating to the transanal extrusion of VPS catheter. The manuscripts relating to the above-mentioned complication were retrieved from 1966 to December 2020. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines are followed for this review. This review included 210 cases comprising 142 (67.6%) males and 68 (32.3%) females. In two-third (n = 141) of the cases, the indication for the initial VPS insertion was the congenital hydrocephalus. In 60% of the cases, the initial VPS insertion was done during infancy. In 70% of the cases, the interval from VPS insertion to the diagnosis of transanal extrusion of the distal VPS catheter was within 12 months. Transanal extrusion of the distal VPS catheter was the chief complaint. In two-third of the cases, it was asymptomatic transanal extrusion of distal VPS catheter. In remaining one-third of the cases, it was symptomatic transanal extrusion of the distal VPS catheter, and they had either symptoms relating to the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract. Three-fourth of the cases were managed by the removal of the entire or the distal VPS catheter with or without external ventricular drainage (EVD). Fifty percent of the above-mentioned complication was managed by doing percutaneous surgical procedures, and another one-third of them were managed by doing laparotomy. Complications were also evident in 16 (7.6%) of the cases during the postoperative period. This review revealed only 6 (2.8%) deaths. Transanal extrusion of the distal VPS catheter occurred across all the age groups. Eighty percent of the complications occurred in children below the age of 10 years. Three-fourth of the cases were managed by the removal of the entire or distal VPS catheter with or without EVD. In three-fourth of the cases, repair of the perforated bowel/colon was not done and that healed spontaneously after the removal of the extruded VPS catheter.

Systematic review of migration of distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter into the urinary bladder with or without per-urethral extrusion

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion is the most widely performed surgical procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus across all age groups but is associated with several complications. The objectives of the present review were to review the demographics, clinical characteristics, operative procedures executed, postoperative major complications, and outcome of the cases published on the management of migration of the distal VPS catheter into the urinary bladder with or without per-urethral extrusion. PubMed, Medline, PubMed Central, Embase, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar database online search was performed to retrieve the published/available literature relating to the above-mentioned complication. Literature/Case reports were retrieved from the year 1974 to June 30, 2020, and those were available in the English language. Thirty-seven cases were included for review, and included n = 20 (54.05%) male, n = 15 (40.54%) female and gender details were not available for n = 2 (5.4%) of the cases. The mean age of the cases at the time of diagnosis of the above complication was 15.27 years. The mean interval from the VPS insertion to the diagnosis of the complication for the entire case was 4.7 years and ranged from 1 day to 26 years. Surgical procedures were performed for the management and were in order of frequency as; (a) removal of entire VPS catheter n = 20, (b) removal of distal VPS catheter n = 10, (c) removal/relocation of distal VPS catheter n = 6, and (d) details not available n = 1. Migration of the distal VPS catheter into the urinary bladder with or without per-urethral extrusion occurred across all the age groups. Seventy percent of the cases were children below the age of 15 years. In 50% of the cases, the complication was documented within 24 months after the VPS insertion. In two-third of the cases, repair of the urinary bladder perforation was not done and that healed spontaneously after the removal of the intra-vesical migrated VPS catheter.

Extrusion of the distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter through the umbilicus: a systematic literature review from 1973 to 2021

Trans-umbilical extrusion of the distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter is a rare complication of the VPS insertion. The objectives of this review were to analyze various variables like the age, sex, indication for VPS insertion, clinical presentation, the operative therapy offered for the management, and outcome of the cases published/managed for the trans-umbilical extrusion of the distal VPS shunt catheter. In 1973, the maiden case of trans-umbilical extrusion of the distal VPS catheter was published. Literature/case reports were retrieved from 1973 to October 31, 2021. A total of n=24 (12 males, 12 females) cases were recruited for this systematic review. All of them were children below the age of 13-years. In four-fifths (n=19) of children, the initial VPS catheter was inserted during the first 6-months of life. The median age of children at the time of diagnosis of the above-described VPS complication was 7.5 (42.21 SD) months, and it ranged from 2 months to 13 years of age. The median interval from the initial VPS insertion/last VPS revision to the diagnosis of complication was 4 (24.77 SD) months, and it ranged from 3 weeks to 8 years. The main complaint was the extrusion of the distal VPS catheter through the umbilicus. Surgical procedures performed for the management were (a) removal of the entire VPS catheter n=15, (b) removal of distal/part of distal VPS catheter n=5, and (C) others n=2. For VPS catheter revision; delayed re-VPS insertion was performed in n=10, immediate revision of the distal VPS catheter in n=3, and others. Three (12.5%) children died during the postoperative and follow-up period. The distal VPS catheter extrusion through the umbilicus is a rare complication of VPS insertion, and it occurred exclusively in children. In 70% (n=17) of children, it was documented ≤6 months afterward of the VPS insertion. Delayed re-VPS catheter insertion was preferred for 40% of the children for VPS revision procedures.

Neuromonitoring During Cardiac Surgery in a Patient with Ventriculo-Caval Shunt Migration: Case Report

Abstract Ventricular shunting is a well-recognised and commonly practiced method of reducing increased intracranial pressure in patients with neurologic pathology. There are possible complications related to shunt implantation, where the rarest is intracardiac migration of the distal shunt catheter. We present a case where the distal catheter migrated into the right ventricle, causing extrasystoles and was complicated with acute right ventricle failure during the endovascular shunt evacuation procedure.

Shunt Migration into Scrotum: A Case Report

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) is a common procedure involved in the management of hydrocephalus. VP shunt has many inherent complications including obstruction, infection, breakage, and migration of the shunt. The incidence of scrotal shunt migration is around 14% VPS migration into the scrotum manifests as reducible trans-illuminant scrotal swelling, which is more like hydrocele. Mostly migration occurs into the right hemi-scrotum within the first 6 months of performing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Bilateral herniotomy with repositioning of the distal shunt catheter is the treatment of choice.

Technical Nuances of Ventriculoatrial Shunt Using Seldinger Technique for Percutaneous Insertion of Distal Shunt Catheter

Abstract Introduction One of the most seen neurosurgical complications is the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt failure. The cause can be often due to peritoneal malabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid. The next safer alternative is to place a ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt. Various methods of access to the right atrium had been described. The percutaneous method of insertion of distal catheter using Seldinger technique is a safer alternative to open method. We describe the percutaneous insertion of distal catheter using Seldinger technique, modifications in the method, and specific tools required for the insertion. Clinical History The patient is a 22-year-old male who is a known case of tubercular meningitis with recurrent failure of VP shunt due to malabsorption at peritoneal end of catheter. During the last hospital visit, he presented with altered sensorium and computed tomography scan brain showed ventriculomegaly. He was planned for VA shunt placement. Surgical Technique The insertion of ventricular end of the catheter is similar to any other shunt placement. The internal jugular vein (IJV) was punctured using introducer needle and guide wire was placed in the IJV at the level of T6-T7 and the serial dilators passed on the guide wire for creating a track for passage of shunt catheter. The shunt catheter was passed over the guide wire to the desired vertebral level and distal shunt catheter is connected proximally to the shunt catheter in the neck. Conclusion The percutaneous insertion of distal catheter with serial dilators using Seldinger technique is a safe and effective method for VA shunt placement.

Case Series of Ventriculoatrial Shunt placement in Hybrid Room: Reassessment of Ventriculoatrial Shunt.

ObjectiveVentriculoatrial shunt (VAS) remains an alternate option for treatment of hydrocephalus in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) failure. Unfamiliar anatomy for a neurosurgeon has resulted in the VAS falling out of favor as a treatment option. However, there are unsatisfactory reports on the long-term result of VPS, and VAS has been recently re-evaluated. We are to report the simple way to do the VAS using a peel-away sheath in a hybrid operation room.MethodsA jugular vein path was drawn by ultrasound, a small incision was made above the clavicle, and a shunt catheter was tunneled into it. The jugular vein was punctured beside the tunneled catheter with a Seldinger needle under ultrasound guidance. A flexible guide wire was introduced into the vein and 6-Fr peel-away sheath was advanced into the vein along the wire. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the catheter was cut to position approximately mid-level in the atrium. After the guide wire was removed, the distal shunt catheter was passed down. After confirming proper position of the distal catheter under the fluoroscope, the catheter-guiding sheath was pulled out as a peeling-away manner. We performed this surgical procedures in 5 cases.ResultsAll the procedures of the VAS using a peel-away sheath were performed in a hybrid operation room Of 5 patients, 3 patients had the distal catheter failures in the peritoneal cavity and 2 patients had shunt A distal catheter was successfully indwelling in all the cases without any difficulties. After the surgery, neither shunt infection nor thromboembolic event happened.ConclusionVAS using fluoroscopy and a peel-away sheath is a good alternative option for hydrocephalus patients with shunt failure related to peritoneal cavity complications.

Trocar assisted distal shunt tube insertion with intra-operative X-Ray confirmation

: Trocar assisted distal shunt catheter placement could be an alternative to mini-laparotomy or laporoscopy with good results in comparison to other procedures.Objects: We report our experience with trocar assisted distal shunt tube placement with intraoperative x-ray to rule-out misplacement.Methods: Patients having peritoneal distal catheter site placement for ventriculo-peritoneal or lumbo-peritoneal shunts presenting to Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over 27 months’ period between October 2016 and December 2018.Results: We performed 65 procedures on 58 patients with mean age of 11 years. The main etiology was congenital hydrocephalus with and without meningeocele followed by post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Two patients developed shunt infection and one case was complicated by bowel injury. No patient showed pre-peritoneal shunt tube malposition.Conclusion: Trocar-assisted distal shunt tube insertion is a good option in shunt procedures for operation time and infection risk. However, we do not recommend usage of trocar in patients with previous abdominal surgery as adhesions may increase the risk of visceral perforation.

Value of whole-body low-dose computed tomography in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVEThe gold standard for evaluation of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt position, dislocation, or disconnection is conventional radiography. Yet, assessment with this modality can be challenging because of low image quality and can result in repetitive radiation exposure with high fluctuation in the radiation dose. Recently, CT-based radiation doses have been significantly reduced by using low-dose protocols. Thus, whole-body low-dose CT (LDCT) has become applicable for routine use in VP shunt evaluation. The authors here compared image quality and approximate radiation dose between radiography and LDCT in patients with implanted VP shunt systems.METHODSVentriculoperitoneal shunt systems have been investigated with LDCT scanning at the authors' department since 2015. A consecutive series of 57 patients (70 investigations) treated between 2015 and 2016 was retrospectively assessed. A historical patient cohort that had been evaluated with radiography was compared with the LDCT patients in terms of radiation dose and image quality. Three independent observers evaluated projection of the valve pressure level and correct intraperitoneal position, as well as complete shunt projection, using a Likert-type scale of 1-5, where 1 indicated "not assessable" and 5 meant "assessable with high accuracy." Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used for analysis.RESULTSTwenty-seven radiographs (38.6%) and 43 LDCT scans (61.4%) were analyzed. The median dose-length product (DLP) of the LDCT scans was 100 mGy·cm (range 59.9-183 mGy·cm). The median total dose-area product (DAP) of the radiographic images was 3177 mGy·cm2 (range 641-13,833 mGy·cm2). The estimated effective dose (EED) was significantly lower with the LDCT scan (p < 0.001). The median EED was 4.93 and 1.90 mSv for radiographs and LDCT, respectively. Significantly better identification of the abdominal position of the distal shunt catheter was achieved with LDCT (p < 0.001). Simultaneously, significantly improved visualization of the entire shunt system was realized with this technique (p < 0.001). On the contrary, identification of the valve settings was significantly worse with LDCT (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSWhole-body LDCT scanning allows good visualization of the distal catheter after VP shunt placement. Despite the fact that only a rough estimation of effective doses is possible in a direct comparison of LDCT and radiography, the data showed that shunt assessment via LDCT does not lead to greater radiation exposure. Thus, especially in difficult anatomical conditions, as in patients who have undergone multiple intraabdominal surgeries, have a high BMI, or are immobile, the use of LDCT shunt evaluation has high clinical value. Further data are needed to determine the value of LDCT for the evaluation of complications or radiation dose in pediatric patients.

Novel type of peritoneocentesis trocar-assisted distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement with supervision via a one-port laparoscope.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are the primary treatment for hydrocephalus and are associated with a high risk of complications, specifically in patients who are obese or have abdominal adhesions or shunt revisions. The present study describes the use of a novel type of peritoneal catheter peritoneocentesis trocar insertion with the assistance of a one-port laparoscope. A total of 36 patients with hydrocephalus underwent this novel type of peritoneocentesis trocar-assisted VPS. The distal shunt catheter was placed into the right subdiaphragmatic space and the catheter was traversed through a single hole drilled through the liver falciform ligament. The duration of the laparoscopic surgery ranged from 6–18 min (mean 10.4±1.6 min). No shunt-related infections or catheter malfunctions or injuries to the intra-abdominal organs occurred. The total abdominal incision length was 1.0 cm (0.5+0.5 cm). No laparoscopy-related complications were observed during follow-up assessments. The novel approach used in the current study is very easy to perform, and this method may significantly reduce the risk of malfunction complications. The presented method also has the advantages of reduced trauma and a simpler surgery. The current study indicated that this simple, minimally invasive procedure was beneficial for patients with hydrocephalus, specifically in cases of patients with obesity, peritoneal adhesions or shunt revisions.

Endovascular Retrieval of Migrated Distal End of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt from Bilateral Pulmonary Arteries: A Technical Note

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting of cerebrospinal fluid is one of the most common procedures performed by neurosurgeons around the world. Migration of distal VP shunt catheter into bilateral segmental pulmonary arteries is an extremely rare complication of VP shunt placement. In the present case, a 30-year-old male underwent VP shunting complicated by migration of distal VP shunt catheter into the bilateral pulmonary arteries. Despite manual attempt at externalizing the distal VP shunt catheter at the level of the clavicle, a small piece of distal VP shunt catheter in bilateral pulmonary arteries was noted on computed tomography of the chest obtained after manual externalization. This persistent distal VP shunt catheter was likely left behind after a break in the distal VP shunt catheter during manual externalization procedure. Given the small size of the segmental pulmonary arteries, a novel endovascular technique was used to move the distal VP shunt catheter from the bilateral segmental pulmonary arteries to the main pulmonary trunk. Once in the main pulmonary trunk, a snare device was used to retrieve the distal shunt catheter through the femoral vein. In this technical note, the authors highlight the relevant endovascular technical details to first move the VP shunt catheter from the bilateral segmental arteries followed by successful catheter retrieval using snare device.

Ventriculo-ureteral shunt insertion using percutaneous nephrostomy: a novel minimally invasive option in a patient with chronic hydrocephalus complicated by multiple distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt failures.

The management of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt failure is a common problem in neurosurgical practice. On occasion, extraperitoneal sites for CSF diversion are required when shunting to the peritoneal cavity has failed after multiple attempts. The authors report a novel minimally invasive procedure allowing cannulation of the ureter for the purpose of ventriculo-ureteral (VU) shunting. Sixteen years prior to presentation, this 46-year-old woman had contracted tuberculous meningitis and had chronic hydrocephalus, with multiple distal shunt failures in recent months. A percutaneous nephrostomy was used to pass the distal catheter based on intraoperative retrograde pyelography. Following successful placement of the VU shunt, the patient's hydrocephalus stabilized and she returned to her regular functional status. The only long-term complication noted within 36 months of follow-up was a transient episode of electrolyte disturbance and dehydration associated with a diarrheal illness that responded to adequate hydration and salt supplementation. By its minimally invasive nature, this approach offers a reasonable extraperitoneal alternative after multiple distal shunt catheter failures have occurred.

WSZCZEPIENIE DRENU DYSTALNEGO ZASTAWKI KOMOROWO-PRZEDSIONKOWEJ POPRZEZ LEWĄ ŻYŁĘ SZYJNĄ WEWNĘTRZNĄ Z WYKORZYSTANIEM FLUOROSKOPII JAKO TECHNIKA RATUNKOWA – OPIS PRZYPADKU

Revision of the distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter is a rare challenge for the neurosurgeon. Its dysfunction associated with inflammation also binds to systemic complications. The paper presents a case report of a patient with bacterial colonisation of distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter caused by separation of the layers of a old surgical wound. Catheter was removed by revision of the right internal jugular vein. Out of necessity, the distal catheter has been implanted back into the right atrium through.the left internal jugular vein under fluoroscopy guidance. The paper consist of course of treatment, data from the literature and own description of the implantation way of the catheter through the veins on the left side of the neck.

Large pseudocyst in the anterior extraperitoneal space as a complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are used as a common treatment for hydrocephalus to divert cerebrospinal fluid into the peritoneal cavity. However, the shunt devices have a high incidence of malfunction mainly caused by catheter obstruction or infection and are associated with various complications, 10–30% of which are abdominal. These complications include: peritoneal pseudocysts; pseudotumor of the mesentery; inguinal hernia; volvulus; ascites; peritonitis; migration of the catheter through the vagina, scrotum, umbilicus, or intestinal tract; and intestinal obstruction. In this paper, we report a patient with a large pseudocyst in the anterior extraperitoneal space caused by migration of a distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter (peritoneal catheter) that migrated from the peritoneal cavity to the anterior extraperitoneal space.