Can This Device Help Neurosurgeons Better Treat Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus — and More?
A Keck Medicine of USC neurointerventionalist discusses how a minimally invasive, endovascularly implantable cerebrospinal fluid shunt is the next-generation treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus — and possibly more.
Clinical Scorecard: Can This Device Help Neurosurgeons Better Treat Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus — and More?
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Key Mechanisms Backup of cerebrospinal fluid leading to gait instability, cognitive issues, and urinary incontinence. Target Population Patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and potentially other types of hydrocephalus. Care Setting Clinical trial and neurosurgical settings.
Key Highlights
Minimally invasive endovascularly implantable cerebrospinal fluid shunt. Potential for dual use: draining cerebrospinal fluid and delivering medications. Clinical trials underway to explore broader applications beyond normal pressure hydrocephalus. Technology may improve monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid compared to traditional methods. Promising implications for treating brain cancers and infections like coccidioidomycosis. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Consider normal pressure hydrocephalus in patients with gait instability, cognitive issues, and urinary incontinence. Management
Evaluate the use of minimally invasive cerebrospinal fluid shunts as a treatment option. Monitoring & Follow-up
Utilize the new technology for consistent cerebrospinal fluid sampling. Risks
Invasive procedures associated with traditional shunt placement. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and other hydrocephalus types.
New technology may allow for less invasive treatment and monitoring options.
Clinical Best Practices
Adopt minimally invasive techniques for treating neurological conditions. Stay informed on emerging technologies for cerebrospinal fluid management. References
