J Korean Neurotraumatol Soc.  2010 Dec;6(2):116-119. 10.13004/jknts.2010.6.2.116.

Efficacy of the Programmable Valve in the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

• Cho YW

• KMID: 2106796
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/jknts.2010.6.2.116

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to clarify the efficacy of the Codman Hakim programmable valve. The opening pressure of this valve can be adjusted in the range of 30 to 200 mmH2O non-invasively. Clinical data obtained in 23 patients with hydrocephalus were analyzed.
METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective study of 23 patients suffering from hydrocephalus of various causes. In all cases a Codman-Medos programmable Hakim valve was implanted.
RESULTS
In 60.9% of the cases, valve pressure adjustment was required at least once (mean number of adjustments 1.3, maximum 4). Mean adjusted valve pressure was 85 mmH2O in children, and 92.6 mmH2O in adults. Nontraumatic subdural fluid collections were demonstrated in 4 (17%) patients and all of whom were treated by valve pressure adjustment alone.
CONCLUSION
The programmable valve was useful for the correction of overdrainage or underdrainage by the non-invasive control of valve pressure. We could decrease the incidence of shunt revision by using this shunt device for the treatment of hydrocephalus.

Keyword

Hydrocephalus; Programmable valve shunt system

MeSH Terms

Adult
Child
Humans
Hydrocephalus
Incidence
Retrospective Studies
Stress, Psychological

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