Cerebrospinal fluid shunt devices: An historical perspective

Abstract

In the shunt treatment for hydrocephalus, less attention has been devoted to the finer details of management due to the relative technical simplicity of the procedure. However, it is well known that inappropriate per- and postoperative shunt management can lead to poor outcomes with regard to growth and development in pediatric cases, as well as postoperative complications In this paper, the authors present an historical overview of the development of shunt valves (the differential pressure valve, hydrostatic valve, adjustable pressure valve and other newly developed valves), consideration for the valve and site selection, surgical procedures, and possible complications associated with shunt treatment with a review of the literature and discuss future strategies for the treatment of hydrocephalus.