In an infant with hydrocephalis, the shunt is not working properly...need information.?

Question

My great grandson Jacobi has hydrocpehalis and has had shunt placement since August of 2010.  He is now 5 months old.  He had another shunt placed in October because the first one was malfunctioning.  They believed the valves were not working properly.  Again, we find ourselves in the Hospital with yet another surgery to fix this shunt.  Niki just brought Jacobi home yesterday and we are already having problems.  She has spoken to the pedicatric neurosurgeon who is wanting her to bring him back to OKC to the CHildren's Hospital at OU Medical.  He says he will completely replace the shunt and bag the fluid via tube for several days (ie:  Treat it like an infection).  

What is up with these shunts?  Why are they not working?  What is going on when the shunt makes a gurgling or bubbling sound?  

Anyone with any information is greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

greydoc6 · Accepted Answer

Shunt malfunction requiring replacement is still a common event, even in the hands of the most experienced pediatric neurosurgeon. Unfortunately, your great grandson's situation is far from unique. Shunt infections are also a common problem.

The bubbling sound may be a leak from a defective valve or where the valve and tubing connect.

aneurodoc125 · Answer

Two shunt failures in such a short time is unusual.  I would talk to the Neurosurgeon about using another manufacturer's shunt.  Can't answer the bubbling question, because I do not know what kind of shunt is being used. Some will make faint noises when pumped.  Ask the Neurosurgeon too if this needs to be reported to the FDA as a defect.  Good luck.

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In an infant with hydrocephalis, the shunt is not working properly...need information.?

2 Answers