The impact of architectural modifications on relative resistance to fluid flow in ventricular catheters

This study implemented a novel method of rapid catheter manufacturing to systematically produce ventricular catheters with specific catheter architecture. By testing variables independently, we found that catheters with changes to the lumen diameter had the most dramatic shifts in overall relative resistance between catheter designs. Similarly, testing in the acute <i>in-vitro</i> blood assay demonstrated that smaller diameter catheters have a higher propensity to obstruct with blood compared to catheters with larger diameter. Relative resistance impacts fluid outflow efficiency, which may translate to clinical outcomes for hydrocephalus patients. These findings help us understand catheter architectural effects on resistance and inform future designs for specific ventricle morphologies.