Multimodal Sensing Capabilities for the Detection of Shunt Failure

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cavities of the brain called ventricles. It frequently follows pediatric and adult congenital malformations, stroke, meningitis, aneurysmal rupture, brain tumors, and traumatic brain injury. CSF diversion devices, or shunts, have become the primary therapy for hydrocephalus treatment for nearly 60 years. However, routine treatment complications associated with a shunt device are infection, obstruction, and over drainage. Although some (regrettably, the minority) patients with shunts can go for years without complications, even those lucky few may potentially experience one shunt malfunction; a shunt complication can require emergency intervention. Here, we present a soft, wireless device that monitors distal terminal fluid flow and transmits measurements to a smartphone via a low-power Bluetooth communication when requested. The proposed multimodal sensing device enabled by flow sensors, for measurements of flow rate and electrodes for measurements of resistance in a fluidic chamber, allows precision measurement of CSF flow rate over a long time and under any circumstances caused by unexpected or abnormal events. A universal design compatible with any modern commercial spinal fluid shunt system would enable the widespread use of this technology.

Automated summary

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles. The primary therapy for hydrocephalus for nearly 60 years has been CSF diversion devices, but associated complications such as infection, obstruction, and over drainage are common.