Clinical Experience with a Hybrid Shunt System Combined Gravity Assisted Device with a Pressure-programmable Valve in the Management of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus(SURGICAL TECHNIQUES and PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT)

Abstract

We reported 13 patients suffering idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) treated by a hybrid shunt system, which consists of pressure programmable and gravity assisted devices. All patients showed some clinical improvement. Three of them underwent re-programming of their shunt opening pressure. Post-operative intraventricular pressure was regulated within physiological range regardless of posture. It was suggested that, compared with an ordinary pressure programmable system, our hybrid system seldom required reprogramming of the shunt opening pressure. The hybrid shunt system is a promising device for iNPH which requires delicate control of intraventricular pressure after shunt placement.