VP shunt
Also written as: VP — ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt, a medical device used to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from brain ventricles to the peritoneal cavity.
Full Definition
A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a surgically placed device consisting of a catheter system that diverts cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles to the peritoneal cavity for absorption. This intervention is commonly used in pediatric neurology to treat hydrocephalus. The system includes a ventricular catheter, valve mechanism, and distal catheter. VP shunt complications such as infection, malfunction, or obstruction are frequently documented in pediatric neurology records and require specific terminology for accurate medical editing.
Usage
Usage note: VP is the standard abbreviation; always spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "The VP shunt was revised due to proximal catheter obstruction." — Surgical procedure note
- "Post-operative imaging confirmed appropriate VP shunt placement with good ventricular decompression." — Radiology report