CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Neurosurgery
Ventricular-atrial shunt
A procedure to drain fluid on the brain cause by the condition hydrocephalus.
What is a ventricular-atrial shunt?
A ventricular-atrial shunt involves draining fluid on the brain into the blood vessels travelling to the heart.
Hydrocephalus is a term used to describe a build-up of fluid on the brain. If the fluid isn't treated, it places pressure on the brain. This can lead to brain damage and — in some cases — death.
At HCA UK, our neurosurgeons can carry out a ventricular-atrial shunt to drain and divert the fluid.
Need to know
A ventricular-atrial shunt is a small device designed to relieve pressure on the brain caused by a build-up of fluid on the brain. Your neurosurgeon will begin the procedure by making a small hole in the skull, before placing the shunt (thin tube) in your brain.
The shunt will be joined to a one-way valve and then attached to another tube that travels down under the skin to the blood vessels travelling into the heart. This will allow the fluid on your brain to drain directly into the blood stream, where it can reabsorb into your body naturally.
A ventricular-atrial shunt is performed under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep during the procedure.
Your neurosurgeon will take the time to explain your ventricular-atrial shunt procedure to you and answer any questions you might have. As you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.
You may also be asked to attend a nurse-led pre-assessment clinic, where you'll be filled in on any possible risks and side effects.
After your ventricular-atrial shunt, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward where you’ll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.
Our Ventricular-atrial shunt locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.