Percutaneous insertion of CSF ventriculoatrial shunts--a new technique. Technical note.

In conventional techniques concerning insertion of ventriculoatrial shunt systems, the route to the caval system is accomplished by a lateral rightsided neck dissection and isolation usually of the facial or the external jugular vein, in order to introduce the atrial catheter into the internal jugular vein and consequently the superior vena cava. A new approach for catheterization of the internal jugular vein is proposed. The technique is a combination of the well proven approach for percutaneous catheterization of the vein and a technique used in the implantation of permanent pacemaker leads. We find the method suitable for cases whenever a VA-shunt is preferred.