A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a machine used to relieve excessive pressure on the brain.
Treating Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus can cause long-term consequences and may be life-threatening.
Hydrocephalus may produce an increase in intracranial pressure, which means high pressure within the skull.
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A VP shunt needs to be put into place by means of a surgical procedure.
What Is a VP Shunt?
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 theventricles.
A VP shunt may also have valves that can be adjusted to modify the rate of fluid flow.
Therefore, an overload of fluid physically pushes on the brain, potentially causing severe brain damage.
There are a variety of conditions that may cause blood or cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate in the brain.
You may have already had a VP shunt placed as an emergency due to rapidly worsening intracranial pressure.
The complications are:
Is a VP Shunt Permanent?
2016;11(2):114-117. doi:10.4103/1793-5482.145052
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Shunt procedure.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Hydrocephalus.
2017;12(4):659-663. doi:10.4103/ajns.AJNS_122_16
Pacific Adult Hydrocephalus Center.Shunt removal.
