A Noninvasive Retrograde Flushing System for Shunted Hydrocephalus: Initial Case Series of 25 Patients

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is a common neurosurgical pathology associated with high patient morbidity and systemwide healthcare costs. A significant portion of these costs are related to the failure of ventricular shunting systems. Despite decades of research and technological development, the rate of shunt failure and revision has not significantly improved. The Reflow™ Ventricular System (Anuncia, Inc., Lowell, MA) is a recent technological development with the potential to prolong the shunt lifespan. This system introduces a noninvasive means of flushing a shunt proximally with a controlled, repeatable pulse of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and of creating a new ventricular opening for occluded shunts. In this multicenter case series, we present the early clinical experiences with this device and discuss its potential.

Use of a Prophylactic Retrograde-Flushing Device in High-Risk Pediatric Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts: A Technical Note

“…Historically, there have been no preventative methods known to reduce the risk of proximal shunt failures [[6], [13]]. Recently, a device designed to retrogradely flush the proximal portion of the shunt has been introduced [[14]]. In this technical report and retrospective case series with long-term follow-up, we demonstrate the utility and outcome of a retrograde ventricular catheter flushing device implanted immediately distal to the catheter in-line with a typical VPS system.…”