Development of a Valve-less Shunt System DEVELOPMENT OF A VALVE-LESS SHUNT SYSTEM

The use of shunting for hydrocephalus has a long history of improvements made through basic science, as well as clinical innovations and biomedical products. Treatment of hydrocephalus through shunting has dramatically changed the outlook for patients. With most of them having normal intelligence as well as normal life expectancies. However the use of shunts has created many unique problems, revisions as well as dependence are frequent among children with hydrocephalus. In addition the cost of such procedures has been on the rise especially for the not so advanced countries. This has posed many new questions as to the development of a less costly yet effective shunt system. Hydrocephalus is a common condition in children, which involves an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cavities of the brain known as ventricles. In Hydrocephalus the build of up of fluid causes abnormal enlargement of the ventricles which in turn increase the pressure on the brain potentially leading to brain damage (Albright, et.al 1999). Many treatments are available however the implantation of a shunt is the most common (Fried, 1993-2004). The research involves the production of a mathematical model of a shunt system without the use of a valve. Flow will be regulated using turns, kinks, knots etc…. Also known as "water on the brain, " hydrocephalus is one of the most frequently seen problems in