The amount of CSF Fluid on the brain can be minimized by the means of a shunt. A shut is basically a drainage system which will transport the excess CSF Fluid that accumulates on the brain elsewhere to other parts of the body such as the abdomen and heart where it can later be reabsorbed.

How does a shunt work?

A shunt regulates the draining pressure inside the head. There are different levels of pressure, as high, medium and low. There are also some differences in the design but the means is always the same. A shunt has 3 parts;

1- Ventricular catheter: a small flexible tube which goes in the brain, in one of the cavities where the CSF is being retained.

2. Reservoir : a small pump which regulates the amount of fluid that goes out. Through this the doctor can also check the working state of the shunt, as well as take CSF samples, when necessary, with a needle.

3. Distal catheter: another flexible tube that will take the fluid to the place where it is going to be absorbed. It is usually left with sufficient length, thinking in the child's growth.

The two diagrams that have been provided on this page show how a drainage system (shunt) works.

Programmable Shunts

Programmable shunts can now be used to alter the pressure inside the head without having to have any surgery. If the pressure setting of a fixed pressure valve proves to be a mismatch after surgery, causing under drainage or over drainage complications, the patient must undergo a complete or partial shunt revision, sometimes more than once.