Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy With Implanted Ventricular Shunts

ECT appears to be a safe and effective treatment for psychiatric patients with indwelling ventricular shunts. ECT administered to patients with programmable shunt valves require particular attention with evaluation for shunt setting changes and reprogramming to pre-ECT settings when appropriate. Our findings support the need for a multidisciplinary approach, involving psychiatry, anesthesia, and neurosurgical teams, to mitigate risks and optimize care in this unique patient population.