Ventriculopleural shunt

Radiopaedia • CC-by-nc-sa 3.0 • de

Ventriculopleural shunting is an alternative option for the diversion of CSF and relief of hydrocephalus. In this technique, the distal catheter is placed in the pleural space. It is an alternative to a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (often considered a next most used alternative).

Complications

  • symptomatic pleural effusion
  • pneumothorax
  • erosion of a ventriculopleural shunt into the chest wall resulting in subcutaneous edema and shunt malfunction

History and etymology

It was initially reported by Heile in 1914 but thought have been introduced in a practical setting by Ransdorf in 1954.

See also