Endovascular repositioning and resizing of the distal catheter of a ventriculoatrial shunt

Abstract

Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts are an effective alternative to ventriculoperitoneal shunts for diversion of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with hydrocephalus. Accurate placement of the distal end of a VA shunt in the right atrium is imperative for appropriate drainage and can be technically challenging. Misplaced or dislodged shunt catheter needs urgent repositioning, which can be performed by endovascular techniques. We present a case of VA shunt placement related complication, in which the dislodged distal fragment was retrieved by endovascular techniques. The remaining distal catheter, found to be in the internal jugular vein, was not only repositioned, but also resized for accurate placement in the right atrium.