The Development of a New Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

School Name

Center for Advanced Technical Studies

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Engineering

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is a build up of fluid in the brain. This condition affects about 1 million Americans, mostly affecting children. If Hydrocephalus is not treated as soon as possible via a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt, it is fatal. Approximately 50% of affected patients die before three years of age and about 80% die before reaching adulthood. Currently, the shunts being used are failing from various causes. These can include obstruction, infection, pseudocyst, bowel perforation, and hardware malfunction. My goal is to create and revise a ventriculoperitoneal shunt that is longer lasting and can withstand multiple types of bacteria. By creating a shunt out of celluloid instead of silicone, my shunt should last longer. I will also add a mesh filter and have the shunt drain into the bladder instead of the stomach. Having the shunt drain into the bladder will eliminate the possibility of infection in the digestive tract and will allow for the direct excretion of the excess fluid.

Location

HSS 109

Start Date

4-2-2022 11:15 AM

Presentation Format

Oral Only

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Apr 2nd, 11:15 AM

The Development of a New Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

HSS 109

Hydrocephalus is a build up of fluid in the brain. This condition affects about 1 million Americans, mostly affecting children. If Hydrocephalus is not treated as soon as possible via a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt, it is fatal. Approximately 50% of affected patients die before three years of age and about 80% die before reaching adulthood. Currently, the shunts being used are failing from various causes. These can include obstruction, infection, pseudocyst, bowel perforation, and hardware malfunction. My goal is to create and revise a ventriculoperitoneal shunt that is longer lasting and can withstand multiple types of bacteria. By creating a shunt out of celluloid instead of silicone, my shunt should last longer. I will also add a mesh filter and have the shunt drain into the bladder instead of the stomach. Having the shunt drain into the bladder will eliminate the possibility of infection in the digestive tract and will allow for the direct excretion of the excess fluid.