This paper reports a novel approach using an inductive loading to reduce the resonant frequency of a mushroom-shaped high impedance surface. The current path is extended on the mushroom-shaped structure's vias and additional traces, which introduces a three-dimensional inductor to the unit cell and leads to an increase in total inductance. As a result, the resonant frequency of the high impedance structure decreases, and a smaller unit cell size can be achieved at the low gigahertz frequency range. Finite element electromagnetic simulation, equivalent circuits modeling, and experimental measurements suggest the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cavities of the brain called ventricles. It frequently follows pediatric and adult congenital malformations, stroke, meningitis, aneurysmal rupture, brain tumors, and traumatic brain injury. CSF diversion devices, or shunts, have become the primary therapy for hydrocephalus treatment for nearly 60 years. However, routine treatment complications associated with a shunt device are infection, obstruction, and over drainage. Although some (regrettably, the minority) patients with shunts can go for years without complications, even those lucky few may potentially experience one shunt malfunction; a shunt complication can require emergency intervention. Here, we present a soft, wireless device that monitors distal terminal fluid flow and transmits measurements to a smartphone via a low-power Bluetooth communication when requested. The proposed multimodal sensing device enabled by flow sensors, for measurements of flow rate and electrodes for measurements of resistance in a fluidic chamber, allows precision measurement of CSF flow rate over a long time and under any circumstances caused by unexpected or abnormal events. A universal design compatible with any modern commercial spinal fluid shunt system would enable the widespread use of this technology.