Where are VP shunts placed?
Where are VP shunts placed?
The long catheter is placed under your skin, behind your ear, down your neck, and into your abdomen. As the VP shunt drains extra CSF and lessens the pressure in your brain, it may ease some of your symptoms. Some symptoms will stop right after the VP shunt is inserted.
How long does a VP shunt last?
Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people. VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant’s shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years.
How do they put in a VP shunt?
The procedure is done as follows:
- An area of hair on the head is shaved.
- The surgeon makes a skin incision behind the ear.
- A small hole is drilled in the skull.
- A second catheter is placed under the skin behind the ear.
- A valve is placed underneath the skin, usually behind the ear.
Are VP shunts permanent?
There can be bleeding, or an infection can develop. VP shunts do not work forever. When the shunt stops working: The child can have another buildup of fluid in the brain.
Where is a VP shunt located?
A VP shunt is a hollow tube with two openings, one on each end. One end of the tube is positioned underneath the skull, inside the ventricles.
What are the side effects of a VP shunt?
There are rare risks specific to VP shunting that can be serious and potentially life-threatening if left untreated, including: Fever, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, and a spike in blood pressure levels , or having the same symptoms that were present when the shunt was initially placed, can indicate an infection or a malfunction of the shunt.
How is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placed?
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is a procedure to help remove excess fluid in the brain. The shunt consists of a catheter (tube), a valve, and a reservoir. The catheter is placed through the skull and into one of the ventricles (spaces) of the brain where the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collects.
What to know about ventriculoperitoneal shunt?
About Your Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery About Your Surgery. A VP shunt is used to drain extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from your brain. Before Your Surgery. The information in this section will help you get ready for your surgery. When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider. Call your healthcare provider if you have signs and symptoms of a VP shunt infection.