AIM: The aim of this study was to present our 10-year experience with the use of fixed-pressure and programmable valves in the treatment of adult patients requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients (n = 159; 89 male and 70 female) suffering from hydrocephalus of various causes underwent CSF shunt implantation. Forty fixed-pressure and 119 programmable valves were initially implanted. RESULTS: The observed revision rate was 40% in patients with fixed-pressure valves. In 20% of these patients, a revision due to valve mechanism malfunction was undertaken, and the initial valve was replaced with a programmable one. The revision rate in the adjustable-pressure valve subgroup was 20%. The infection rate for the fixed-pressure and programmable valve subgroups were 3%, and 1.7%, respectively. Similarly, subdural fluid collections were noticed in 17% and 4% of patients with fixed-pressure valves and programmable valves, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The revision and over-drainage rates were significantly lower when using programmable valves, and thus, this type of valve is preferred whenever CSF has to be diverted.
AIM: The aim of this study was to present our 10-year experience with the use of fixed-pressure and programmable valves in the treatment of adult patients requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Patients (n = 159; 89 male and 70 female) suffering from hydrocephalus of various causes underwent CSF shunt implantation. Forty fixed-pressure and 119 programmable valves were initially implanted. RESULTS: The observed revision rate was 40% in patients with fixed-pressure valves. In 20% of these patients, a revision due to valve mechanism malfunction was undertaken, and the initial valve was replaced with a programmable one. The revision rate in the adjustable-pressure valve subgroup was 20%. The infection rate for the fixed-pressure and programmable valve subgroups were 3%, and 1.7%, respectively. Similarly, subdural fluid collections were noticed in 17% and 4% of patients with fixed-pressure valves and programmable valves, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The revision and over-drainage rates were significantly lower when using programmable valves, and thus, this type of valve is preferred whenever CSF has to be diverted.
Authors: Virendra Rajendrakumar Desai; Saeed Sam Sadrameli; Amanda V Jenson; Samuel K Asante; Bradley Daniels; Todd W Trask; Gavin Britz Journal: Surg Neurol Int Date: 2020-09-05