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Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ventriculopleural shunt placement: a minimally invasive technique

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Abstract

Objective

Ventriculopleural shunt is still considered a third-line option for CSF diversion, when both peritoneal and atrial cavity are contraindicated. Different approaches have been used and in modern surgery, lesser invasive techniques are predominant. The goal of this manuscript is to present a minimally invasive placement of a pleural catheter.

Methods

We describe a minimally invasive approach to the pleural space using an a-traumatic peel-away introducer under ultrasonographic intraoperative control. Furthermore, consideration about complications, follow-up and advantages of the abovementioned technique will be discussed.

Conclusions

Percutaneous US guided placement for pleural catheter is a safer and modern minimally invasive approach to the pleural space. Pleural effusion is the predominant complication, encountered especially in younger children.

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Fig. 1
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Abbreviations

CSF:

Cerebrospinal fluid

US:

Ultrasound

VPLS:

Ventriculopleural shunt

B-Mode:

Brightness mode

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosciences, Academic Neurosurgery, University of Padova Medical School, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy

    Valentina Baro, Luca Sartori & Luca Denaro

  2. Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Paediatric Surgery Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

    Francesco Fascetti Leon

Authors
  1. Valentina Baro
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  2. Francesco Fascetti Leon
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  3. Luca Sartori
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  4. Luca Denaro
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Correspondence to Valentina Baro.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Baro, V., Leon, F.F., Sartori, L. et al. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ventriculopleural shunt placement: a minimally invasive technique. Childs Nerv Syst 36, 617–620 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-019-04475-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-019-04475-8

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