Article
Can programmable Medos-Hakim Valve Codman© with Gravity Assistant Aesculap© optimize the outcome in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus?
Können programmierbar Medos-Hakim-Ventile mit Miethke Shunt-Assistent den Krankheitsverlauf bei Patienten mit idiopathischem Normaldruckhydrozephalus optimieren?
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Authors
Published: | May 4, 2005 |
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Outline
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Objective
A significantly better outcome in patients with low pressure valves is accompanied with an increased rate of overdrainage in cases with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).
Methods
In a prospective study, the programmable Medos-Hakim Valve Codman© with Gravity Assistant Aesculap© (MHV +GA) was implanted in 18 patients with iNPH. The patients were assessed prior to operation, after operation, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The diagnostic pathway and technical principle of the device is presented.
Results
The outcome correlated with the opening pressure of the valve. The step by step regulation of valve opening pressure from 100 mm H2O to 70 mm H2O after 3 months and to 50 mm H2O after 6 months makes an optimal adaptation of the brain to shunt function possible without any overdrainage.
Conclusions
The clincal course of patients suffering from idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus is mainly influenced by the stage of the disease, the start of the therapy, the gravitational function and the opening pressure of the implanted device. Based on clinical experience with the programmable Medos-Hakim Valve Codman© with Gravity Assistant Aesculap (MHV + GA), we underline the advantages of this valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus especially for patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus.