Clinical background: The first reports about mechanical complications after shunting dealt mainly with overdrainage-related problems. But especially since the introduction of hydrostatic valves, complications related to underdrainage gain increasing attention. However, an unequivocal evaluation of underdrainage is hindered by discrepancies in the definition of this entity. Materials and Methods...

OBJECTIVE Hydrostatic devices have considerable advantages compared to "conventional" differential-pressure-valves concerning overdrainage, but are thought to imply a tendency to underdrain or to clog. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the hydrostatic gravitational Dual-Switch-Valve (DSV) to minimize overdrainage-related complications without increasing the danger of underdra...

To cite: de Gusmäo CM, Berkowitz AL, Hung AY, et al. Pract Neurol 2015;15:42–44. INTRODUCTION Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion by shunting provides effective management of hydrocephalus. However, complication rates of CSF shunts range from 5% to 50%. Most common are shunt infections and mechanical failures; these may lead either to underdrainage (with re-emergence of hydrocephalus) or overdr...

Although the Codman-Hakim programmable valve is one of most popular shunt systems used in the clinical practice for the treatment of hydrocephalus, malfunctions related with this system have been also reported which lead to underdrainage or overdrainage of the cerebrospinal fluid. While obstruction of the ventricular catheter by tissue materials or hematoma and catheter disconnection are relati...

OBJECTIVE Are hydrostatic valves superior to conventional differential pressure shunts in patients with normal- pressure hydrocephalus, with regard to the postoperative results of treatment and possible complications? METHODS From September 1997 to January 2002, 60 patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus were treated by surgical implantation of a hydrostatic valve (Miethke dual...