Intraoperative Ultrasound Guided compared to Stereotactic Navigated Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Background Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is one of the most frequent neurosurgical procedures. The position of the proximal ventricular catheter is important since it influences shunt functioning and survival. With freehand placement rates of malpositioned VPS are still high. Several navigation techniques for improvement of shunt placement have been development. Data comparing these techniques is sparse. The aim of this study is to prospectively compare ultrasound (US) guided to stereotactic navigated shunt placement with the focus on safety and feasibility. Methods In this prospective randomized, single-centre study we include all patients undergoing VPS placement in our clinic. The patients are randomized into two groups, one group undergoing US guided and the other group stereotactic navigated VPS placement. The study primarily seeks to compare the surgical intervention time between the two methods. Secondary objectives are different aspects of feasibility and safety of both methods. Discussion To date, there is no data available about the prospective comparison of these navigation techniques regarding feasibility and safety. A randomized controlled study is urgently needed in order to provide class I evidence for the best possible treatment of this large group of patients.