Fixed Pressure Vs. Programmable Shunt

A shunt is a medical device that is designed to prevent a buildup of the CSF fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid, that everyone produces. Shunts help treat brain conditions such as hydrocephalus. The medical world has improved greatly due to technology. Technology gives patients an opportunity to succeed in life with the assistance of a shunt.

Here are the two types of shunts.

A fixed pressure device is a bit different than the programmable shunt. This is pre-set to respond to a specific pressure. The pressure can be low, medium or even high. This device isn't as flexible in the change of setting as the programmable shunt. The pressure setting isn't set to the specific needs of an individual person.

A programmable shunt is designed for the neurosurgeon to regulate the setting in the device. The benefit of a patient having a programmable device is the setting is set to the individual needs of the patient. The shunt setting can be changed in the doctor's office.

There are four main parts to the inner workings of the device. These parts are an upper and lower catheter, reservoir and valve. Each part works together to keep the drainage at a normal flow. The catheters are tubes that allow the excess fluid to drain properly. The reservoir is another tube that removes the excess and travels through both catheters to drain.

Programmable and fixed pressure devices are shunts that give patients a relief on the buildup of the fluid. The essential differences between the two medical devices are how they are programmed to release the extra fluid. Even though there is a difference between the two devices, their purpose is the same. It is to give patients a relief from the excess fluid that causes pressure on the brain.

Parents who have children with a shunt need to be aware of everything that goes into raising a child who has one of these devices. Shunts are often permanent. They help children to lead a normal, healthy life. They are a necessity.

Wwww.fetalhydrocephalus.com is a great source of information for parents to learn more about shunts and their functions. You should always keep the shunt record card with you. It needs to be easily accessible in case of an emergency.