Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

Question 1

What is a VP Shunt used for?

Answer 1

• Drain excess CSF from the Brain

- Treats Hydrocephalus

Question 2

What can cause excessive CSF?

Answer 2

• Blockage in ventricular system
• Overproduction of CSF
• Poor absorption of CSF into vessels

Question 3

What can happen if there is excess CSF in the skull?

Answer 3

• Brain damage
• Seizures

Especially in adults because the Skull is fused, no room for extra fluid

Question 4

What is Patient Positioning for a VP Shunt?

Answer 4

• Supine with bilateral arms tucked
• Head secured in Mayfield Headrest or Jelly Ring
  
  • Turned to the Left
• Bed turned 90 degrees away from anesthesia

Question 5

Where is the VP Shunt inserted?

Answer 5

On the right side of the head

Question 6

Where is the skin incision made for a VP Shunt?

Answer 6

3-4 inches behind the right ear

Question 7

Why do we keep hair clippings in a bag?

Answer 7

In case something goes wrong, we have something to give back to the patient’s family

Question 8

What are the steps for VP Shunt insertion?

Answer 8

• Skin incision behind Right Ear
• Burr hole made into skull using Perforator
• Cannula inserted through burr hole into Right Ventricle
• Catheter fed into Right Ventricle through Cannula

Question 9

What is an Extraperitoneal Shunt?

Answer 9

Same as VP Shunt but Distal Catheter only goes to Clavicle (Temporary)

Question 10

What suture do we use to close Abdominal Dermis?

Answer 10

3-0 Vicryl on a CT1 needle

Question 11

What suture do we use to close Abdominal Skin?

Answer 11

4-0 Monocryl on a PS2 needle

Question 12

What suture do we use to close Cranial dura?

Answer 12

2-0 Vicryl on a CT1 needle

Question 13

What suture do we use to close Abdominal Fascia?

Answer 13

0 Vicryl on a CT1 needle

-Simple Figure of 8 Stitch

Question 14

What suture do we use to close the Scalp?

Answer 14

• 3-0 Nylon

- Staples