Programmable Valve With Virtual off Function Is Useful for Chronic Subdural Hematoma After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery

Over-drainage after a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt can often lead to chronic subdural hematoma; however, the treatment is unclear. Hematoma drainage is performed after physically stopping the shunt function, such as by ligating or removing the shunt system. However, shunt reconstruction is required after the subdural hematoma improves. This study investigated the usefulness of a programmable valve with virtual off-function for chronic subdural hematoma after VP shunt surgery. We installed a programmable valve with a virtual off-function for chronic subdural hematoma after VP shunt surgery. A programmable valve with a virtual off-function is a valve system that can stop and restart the shunt function at will. After the subdural hematoma has improved, shunt function can be resumed, and pressure can be set to an optimal level. Installing a programmable valve with a virtual off-function is useful as a new treatment method to address over-drainage complications while preserving shunt function.