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Next generation of ventricular catheters for hydrocephalus based on parametric designs

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Abstract

Background

The flow pattern of the cerebrospinal fluid is probably the most important factor related to obstruction of ventricular catheters during the normal treatment of hydrocephalus. To better comprehend the flow pattern, we have carried out a parametric study via numerical models of ventricular catheters. In previous studies, the flow was studied under steady and, recently, in pulsatile boundary conditions by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in three-dimensional catheter models.

Objective

This study aimed to bring in prototype models of catheter CFD flow solutions as well to introduce the theory behind parametric development of ventricular catheters.

Methods

A preceding study allowed deriving basic principles which lead to designs with improved flow patterns of ventricular catheters. The parameters chosen were the number of drainage segments, the distances between them, the number and diameter of the holes on each segment, as well as their relative angular position.

Results

CFD results of previously unreleased models of ventricular catheter flow solutions are presented in this study. Parametric development guided new designs with better flow distribution while lowering the shear stress of the catheters holes. High-resolution 3D printed catheter solutions of three models and basic benchmark testing are introduced as well.

Conclusions

The next generation of catheter with homogeneous flow patterns based on parametric designs may represent a step forward for the treatment of hydrocephalus, by possibly broadening their lifespan.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Regional Service of Neurosurgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain

    M. Galarza

  2. Operations Research Center, University Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alacant, Spain

    A. Giménez & J. M. Amigó

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany

    M. Schuhmann

  4. Department of Neurosurgery, San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital, Rome, Italy

    R. Gazzeri

  5. Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany

    U. Thomale

  6. Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MI, USA

    J. P. McAllister 2nd

Authors
  1. M. Galarza
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  2. A. Giménez
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  3. J. M. Amigó
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  4. M. Schuhmann
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  5. R. Gazzeri
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  6. U. Thomale
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  7. J. P. McAllister 2nd
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Galarza.

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Confict of interest

Some of the prototypes modeled in this paper has been used for designing ventricular catheters granted a Spanish patent for MG, AG, JMA (23). CE patent is pending. Specifications for certain catheter prototypes cannot be given for patenting purposes still in process. Some of the models presented are currently in development for commercialization.

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Galarza, M., Giménez, A., Amigó, J.M. et al. Next generation of ventricular catheters for hydrocephalus based on parametric designs. Childs Nerv Syst 34, 267–276 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-017-3565-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-017-3565-0

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