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Acta Neurochirurgica

Published in:

01-04-2014 | Clinical Article - Pediatrics

Overcoming CSF overdrainage with the adjustable gravitational valve proSA

Authors: Christoph A. Tschan, Sebastian Antes, Alexandra Huthmann, Sonja Vulcu, Joachim Oertel, Wolfgang Wagner

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Background

Despite progress in shunt valve technology, CSF overdrainage is still one of the most frequent complications in shunt-treated hydrocephalus. Particularly with regard to young and adolescent patients, treatment of manifest overdrainage is complicated by several hardly influenceable factors such as increasing height and mobility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of the new adjustable gravitational valve, proSA.

Methods

Sixty-four shunt-treated young hydrocephalus patients aged 1.8–41.4 years (15.5 ± 10.5 years) suffering from clinical and/or radiological overdrainage underwent shunt revision surgery with the implantation of the new proSA valve. Clinical outcome after a 1-year follow-up period, pumping function of the valve chambers as well as the number of necessary postoperative valve adjustments were examined.

Results

Fifty-five patients completed the study as planned. All reported a significant improvement of their clinical condition; 91 % described a complete resolution in symptoms related to overdrainage. Preoperatively, more than 85 % of the valve chambers showed no or very slow refilling with CSF. After a year of proSA treatment, more than 90 % exhibited a normal valve chamber function. During the follow-up period, a total of 136 valve adjustments were necessary. None of the proSA valves had to be surgically revised.

Conclusions

The postoperative adjustability of the opening pressure level is the advantage of the new gravitational valve. The good clinical outcome is attributed to the new valve technology. The proSA appears to be a promising shunt valve to overcome overdrainage in adolescent and adult hydrocephalus patients.

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Title: Overcoming CSF overdrainage with the adjustable gravitational valve proSA
Authors: Christoph A. Tschan
Sebastian Antes
Alexandra Huthmann
Sonja Vulcu
Joachim Oertel
Wolfgang Wagner
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-013-1934-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Overcoming CSF overdrainage with the adjustable gravitational valve proSA

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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