Table of Contents
Are ventricular shunts MRI safe?
NHS GGC MRI safety policy for patients with shunts is as follows. If the shunt is known not to be a programmable shunt, then 1.5T and 3T MRI may safely proceed. If it is established that a shunt is a programmable device, then follow the instructions outlined in the instructions for use for that particular device.
Can you have shunt surgery while pregnant?
A Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most common and effective procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Women successfully treated for hydrocephalus and reproductive aged women with a shunt are becoming pregnant.
Does VP shunt affect pregnancy?
9 of the patients had VP shunts and 3 with VA shunt. They were followed up for evolution of the pregnancy, the state of the shunts and the method of delivery. Results: It was found that the cerebrospinal fluid shunts does not affect the pregnancy outcome.
Can hydrocephalus be treated during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, hydrocephalus is usually managed with observation. At this time, there is no fetal treatment for this disorder. If your baby has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, our team will carefully watch them for signs of distress, which may indicate a need for early delivery.
Can you have an epidural with a VP shunt?
Epidural or spinal analgesia and anesthesia are also allowed in patients with VP drainage.
What is a shunt in pregnancy?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts are a definite treatment for hydrocephalus. As increasing numbers of women have CSF shunts placed to treat hydrocephalus, more shunt-dependent women are becoming pregnant (1, 2).
What are VP shunts made of?
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts consist of a valve and two tubes, called catheters, which drain the fluid. One catheter drains fluid from the brain out of a small hole the doctor makes in the skull. This is called the inflow catheter. The other runs under the skin, taking the fluid to a drainage site elsewhere in the body.
Are brain shunts permanent?
Depending on the circumstances, a VP shunt can be temporary or permanent.
Is a brain shunt visible?
The shunt itself will not be visible. You may be able to feel the plastic tubing under the skin of your neck, however.
What is a Certas shunt?
The Certas™ is an adjustable shunt with 7 pressure settings that range, according to the manufacturer, from 36 to 238 mm H2O. An interesting feature of the shunt is an eighth setting with a very high opening pressure (>400 mm H2O), that is described as “Virtual Off”.
What is the normal size of brain ventricles in fetus?
In a normal fetal brain, the ventricles are less than 10 mm wide. When the ventricles are between 10-mm and 15-mm wide, the baby is diagnosed with mild ventriculomegaly. If the ventricles are more than 15 mm wide, the enlargement is considered severe.
How is hydrocephalus diagnosed during pregnancy?
Hydrocephalus can be detected using a normal ultrasound examination, which is typically performed throughout a woman’s pregnancy. During ultrasound screening, the technician may see pockets of fluid in the developing brain, indicating enlarged ventricles and the possible presence of hydrocephalus.
Can a spinal block cause hydrocephalus?
Drainage of the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can increase the pressure gradient between the spinal, supratentorial and infratentorial compartments. This can result in rapid herniation of the brain stem or occluding hydrocephalus.
Can I have a baby with a VP shunt?
The presence of a shunt does not affect pregnancy and vaginal delivery is considered by most authors as the first option. Primary cesarean section is preffered in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus or rapid deterioration in the case of shunt malfunction.
Are CSF shunt valves safe for MRI?
There are many different types of CSF shunt valves and associated accessories used for treatment of hydrocephalus. In general, for shunt valves that utilize magnetic components, highly specific safety guidelines must be followed in order to perform MRI procedures safely in patients with these devices.
Is the Delta shunt safe for MRI?
The normally closed Delta chamber mechanism minimizes over-drainage by utilizing the principles of hydrodynamic leverage. Because of the non-metallic design, the Delta shunt is safe for patients undergoing MRI procedures. The programmable valve]
What are the safety concerns of a fetal ultrasound?
Safety concerns arise with respect to both mother and fetus. Maternal safety concerns are the same as for a non-pregnant patient, and are addressed by pre-scan screening. Fetal concerns are twofold; first, the possibility of teratogenic effects, and second, the possibility of acoustic damage.
Is it safe to have an MRI scan in the first trimester?
MRI in the first trimester should only be performed after consultation with radiology faculty. It is advisable to obtain written informed consent for CT of the abdomen or pelvis in a pregnant patient.