Laser restoration of flow in occluded ventricular shunts for pediatric neurosurgery

William A. Christens-Barry; Michael Guarnieri; Benjamin S. Carson

doi:10.1117/12.300835

19 January 1998 Laser restoration of flow in occluded ventricular shunts for pediatric neurosurgery

William A. Christens-Barry, Michael Guarnieri, Benjamin S. Carson

Proceedings Volume 3193, Photothermal Therapies in Medicine; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.300835
Event: BiOS Europe '97, 1997, San Remo, Italy

Abstract

We have investigated the use of short pulses of infrared ((lambda) equals 2.09 micrometers ) light from a Ho:YAG laser to photofragment occlusions and restore flow in ventricular shunts, which provide the sole means of maintaining proper intracranial pressure in hydrocephalus patients. These experiments employed model tissues, a polymeric model compound, and patient explants in order to determine appropriate pulse energies and delivery rates for removal of occlusions material. Laser energy doses and rates of occlusion removal were established for these materials. Laser energy doses that do not damage the shunt device or surrounding tissue were identified. Optical fibers (25 ga. or smaller) can be introduced through the dome of current shunt devices and threaded to the occlusion site. Clinical application will require the continued development of an introducer tool for the transcutaneous insertion of the optical fiber into the shunt device and irrigation techniques for removing the occlusion detritus generated by photofragmentation treatment. Using this approach, a minimally invasive and benign procedure for in situ restoration of flow in occluded neurological implant devices becomes possible.

Citation Download Citation

William A. Christens-Barry, Michael Guarnieri, and Benjamin S. Carson "Laser restoration of flow in occluded ventricular shunts for pediatric neurosurgery", Proc. SPIE 3193, Photothermal Therapies in Medicine, (19 January 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.300835

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