What is an MRI shunt?

The shunt is positioned to enable the CSF to be drained from the cerebral ventricles or subarachnoid spaces into another absorption site (e.g., the right atrium of the heart or the peritoneal cavity) through a system of small catheters.

How long does a spinal shunt last?

Shunts generally last about ten years in adults. They need more frequent replacement in children as they grow. Notify all of your healthcare providers about your CSF shunt. Treat other conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

What is a Codman shunt?

The Codman Hakim valve is a ventricular shunt valve which can be programmed to open at various CSF fluid pressure. As with previous ventricular shunts, this valve is surgically implanted over the skull near the burr hole for the catheter.

What is a non programmable shunt?

A VP shunt is a device that’s placed in your body during a surgery. The shunt takes the CSF out of your brain and moves it into your abdomen (belly), where it’s absorbed by your body. This lowers the pressure and swelling in your brain.

What causes a shunt to malfunction?

Shunt malfunction is most commonly due to a blockage or some obstruction within the shunt system. If the blockage is not corrected, symptoms of hydrocephalus will return. In some cases, shunt blockage may require surgery to replace the affected component or components.

Can VP shunt be turned off?

Trained practitioners can easily switch the shunt function on and off (“on-off shunts”) without the need for any device-specific equipment.

Are VP shunts MRI safe?

Some types of programmable VP shunts aren’t affected by MRI scans. Ask your neurosurgeon or nurse practitioner (NP) if your shunt will need to be reprogrammed after MRI scans. You don’t need to take any precautions if you’re having a computed tomography (CT) scan or x-ray.

How often should a shunt be checked?

Most patients with an NPH shunt will see the neurosurgeon 2 to 3 times during the first year following their surgery. The first visit occurs shortly after surgery and involves checking the incision and following up with any issues the patient might be having during the early recovery period.

What kind of MRI is used for CSF shunts?

MRI and CSF Shunts Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an important screening and diagnostic device that relies on powerful magnetic fields, which could potentially adjust a patient’s CSF valve.

What do you need to know about a spinal shunt?

What Is A Spinal Shunt? A spinal shunt, also sometimes referred to as a lumbar shunt, is a device that is inserted into a person’s spine so that bodily fluids can be directed from one area to another area of the body. Oftentimes they are used to help facilitate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid from one area of your spine to another.

Where are LP shunts inserted in the spine?

As we alluded to in the intro paragraph, LP shunts are usually used to help keep appropriate levels of cerebrospinal fluid in the the spinal canal. During a normal lumbar-peritoneal shunt operation, the device will be inserted between two vertebrae in the lumbar portion of your spine into the area surrounding your spinal cord.

What are the risks of having a CSF shunt?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an important screening and diagnostic device that relies on powerful magnetic fields, which could potentially adjust a patient’s CSF valve. Patients with CSF shunts should inform their health care providers prior to receiving MRI due to the potential of the MRI magnetic field to change their implanted device.