BACKGROUND:  Hydrocephalus, a condition in which increased intracranial pressure is caused by the pooling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, can be caused by outflow blockage, reabsorption, or overproduction of CSF. Elevated intracranial pressure can impact brain function, resulting in altered behavior and thought. The only treatment available for hydrocephalus is the surgical implantation of a shunt. The shunt—consisting of ventricular catheter, valve, and distal catheter—allows CSF to be redirected to other cavities in the body where the fluid could be reabsorbed. However, the shunt can be prone to complications, with catheter obstruction due to gradual cell accumulation as one of the primary causes of malfunction. On average, 85% of people with shunts have at least two shunt-revision surgeries during their lifetime. A minority of patients struggle with recurrent shunt obstructions, requiring over 100 shunt revisions. Each surgery introduces additional risks of brain injury, as well as shunt infection. With over 25,000 shunt operations completed each year in the U.S. alone, a self-clearing catheter is of great relevance in extending the useful life of a catheter and reducing the necessity for repeated invasive procedures.

INNOVATION:  The shunt system currently being developed at UCLA has a unique capability to clear cellular obstruction from its catheter flow holes. Rather than using surface layer coatings, the new approach uses mechanical means to maintain the normal flow of the catheter. As the clearing mechanism is activated, the cellular obstruction is swept off of the catheter surface. Periodic activation of the mechanism would allow routine maintenance of CSF flow, which would prevent the formation of complete occlusion. The system can be operated by the patient, who will be able to perform the maintenance as part of their daily activities.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:  The subject invention can be used to improve the treatment of hydrocephalus through enhanced functional features and reduced catheter obstruction.

ADVANTAGES

• Eliminates the need for shunt replacement surgeries.
• More effective occlusion resistance.
• System can be activated by the patient for self-administered maintenance.
• Shunt can be implanted using existing surgical techniques.

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  The proposed device is in its conceptual stage. Simulations have been run using physiological parameters.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2005-053

Patent Application: WO/2006/122168