Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Pronunciation: ven-trik-yoo-loh-pair-i-toh-NEE-al shunt
Medical device that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from brain ventricles to the peritoneal cavity.
Full Definition
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt) is a medical device consisting of a catheter system that redirects cerebrospinal fluid from the enlarged ventricles of the brain to the peritoneal cavity, where it can be absorbed. This procedure is commonly performed to treat hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of CSF. The shunt system includes a ventricular catheter, a valve mechanism to regulate flow, and a distal catheter placed in the abdomen.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as VP shunt in medical documentation.
In Context
- "The infant required ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for congenital hydrocephalus." — pediatric neurosurgery note
- "Shunt malfunction was suspected due to recurrent symptoms of increased intracranial pressure." — emergency department note
Also known as
VP shunt
CSF shunt
Contrasted with
endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Don't confuse with
ventriculoatrial shunt
ventriculopleural shunt