CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
A PROCEDURE TO ALLOW FLUID TO BE DRAINED FROM THE BRAIN, CAUSED BY A CONDITION CALLED HYDROCEPHALUS
Our neurosurgeons can carry out a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain excess fluid on the brain
About ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Hydrocephalus refers to a build-up of fluid on the brain. If it isn't treated, it can put pressure on the brain, developing into a serious and potentially fatal condition. Our neurosurgeons can carry out a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain the fluid so it doesn't pose a risk.
Need to know
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a small device that aims to relieve pressure on the brain, caused by a build-up of fluid. Your neurosurgeon will start by making a small hole in the skull, before inserting a shunt (thin tube) into your brain.
The shunt will be joined to a one-way valve and then attached to another tube that travels under the skin, to the abdomen. This will allow the fluid on your brain to drain into a cavity in your abdomen, where it can reabsorb into your body naturally.
You'll mostly likely be asked to attend an appointment with your neurosurgeon. They'll explain your shunt surgery to you, explaining any possible risks and side effects.
If a ventriculoperitoneal shunt isn't right for you, we may recommend an Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, which involves re-routing the fluid rather than draining it.
After your ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you'll be cared for for a few days. Your neurosurgeon or nurse specialist will let you know when you can leave and get back to your usual routine.
Our Ventriculoperitoneal shunt locations
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
13-19 Devonshire Street Marylebone W1G 7AF London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
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 Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY 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
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.