Malfunction of ventriculoatrial shunts caused by the circulatory dynamics of coughing

Abstract

✓ Three adult patients are presented in whom the atrial catheter coiled on itself after a ventriculoatrial shunt. Pressures in the jugular and subclavian veins and right atrium were measured during respiration and coughing. It is suggested that the normal pressure changes during the act of coughing facilitate coiling if the atrial catheter material is not sufficiently rigid.