Evaluation and use of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt in hydrocephalus

Abstract

✓ The high rate of complications associated with ventriculocardiac shunts at the Walter Reed General Hospital led to the evaluation of a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure. Results with the ventriculoperitoneal shunt have shown a marked decrease in total complications and malfunctions and total absence of all cardiovascular-pulmonary complications, early and late. The Silastic peritoneal catheter has not become occluded, and is adaptable to other diagnostic procedures and injections. When lengthening of the peritoneal catheter is finally required due to the patient's growth, it should be easy to perform.