The Effectiveness of a Siphon Control Device in Preventing the Complications of Overshunting

Abstract

Most available cerebrospinal fluid diversion systems utilize differential-pressure valves that often allow overshunting, resulting in complications due to the siphoning of fluid from the ventricular system. A new siphon-control device has been designed to address the problem of cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage. This study evaluates the effectiveness of this device in reducing complications of the "siphon" phenomenon. The siphon control device was found to reduce the incidence of post shunt subdural fluid collections and slit ventricle syndrome while not increasing the occurrence of shunt obstruction or infection.