How many years does a VP shunt last?

Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people. VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant’s shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years.

Do VP shunts last forever?

VP shunts do not work forever. When the shunt stops working: The child can have another buildup of fluid in the brain. Another surgery is needed to fix it.

Can you live a normal life with a VP shunt?

Overview. Many people with normal pressure hydrocephalus enjoy a normal life with the help of a shunt. Regular, ongoing checkups with the neurosurgeon will help ensure that your shunt is working correctly, your progress is on track, and you are free to keep living the way you want.

Can a VP shunt drain too much?

Over-drainage: When the shunt allows cerebral fluid to drain from the brain’s ventricles more quickly than it is produced, the ventricles can collapse, tearing blood vessels and causing bleeding in the brain or blood clot, marked by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, seizure and other symptoms.

What is a VP shunt used for?

A VP shunt is used to drain extra fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is found in the ventricles of the brain and the spinal canal. If too much CSF is in the ventricles, it puts pressure on the brain and skull.

Can you change the settings of a nonprogrammable ventricular shunt?

If you have nonprogrammable VP shunt, your doctor will program the settings in advance and they can’t be changed. If you have a programmable VP shunt, the settings can be changed by your doctor if needed. Your doctor will decide which type of VP shunt is best for you.

How long does a VP shunt surgery take?

The VP shunt surgery takes about one hour and is done in the operating room, while you are under the influence of general anesthesia. A VP Shunt consists of 3 parts: The valve controls the flow of the fluid and is attached to the short catheter to drain the fluid away from the brain.

What causes ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction?

Obstruction is the most common cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction. Infection is the second most common cause of VPS malfunction, which is more common in children.