We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBETECH PUBLISHING LLC

Download Mobile App




Adhesive Skin Sensor Monitors Ventricular Shunt Function

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Nov 2018
A new study describes how epidermal electronics can be used for noninvasive, wireless, quantitative assessment of ventricular shunt function in patients with hydrocephalus.

Developed by researchers at Northwestern University (NU; Chicago, IL, USA) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC; USA), the skin-mounted sensor incorporates arrays of thermal sensors and actuators in order to measure cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow through subdermal shunts. More...
The sensor works by measuring thermal transport; when skin temperature is raised and excess CSF is draining properly, a characteristic heat signature is detected. But when the heat signature is missing, it means there is no CSF flow, and that the shunt has malfunctioned.

A very small rechargeable battery is built directly into the sensor, and the device is Bluetooth enabled, so it can communicate with a smartphone and deliver the readings via an Android app. The researchers conducted clinical trials in five patients in order to validated the sensor’s ability to detect presence of CSF flow within five minutes of placement on the skin, as well its ability to distinguish between baseline flow, diminished flow, and distal shunt failure. The study was published on October 31, 2018, in Science Translational Medicine.

“Hydrocephalus affects adults and children. Shunt malfunction symptoms, like headaches or sleepiness, are things kids can have for lots of reasons, like the flu,” said co-senior author neurologic surgeon Matthew Potts, MD, of NU. “So if a child has these symptoms, it's very hard to know, and every time your kid says they have a headache or feels a little sleepy, you automatically think, 'Is this the shunt?' We believe that this device can spare patients a lot of the danger and costs of this process.”

“It's a wearable device with a specific but useful mode of operation that's addressing an unmet need in clinical medicine,” said co-senior author Professor John Rogers, MD, PhD, of NU. “At the end of the day, from a patient perspective, it looks like a Band-Aid that's talking to their cellphone. There's nothing like this out there today.”

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an excess of CSF accumulates within the ventricles and increases pressure in the brain, resulting in a life-threatening situation. But although implanted CSF shunts help relieve the pressure build-up, at least 50% of patients suffer from shunt failures and blockages within two years, requiring repeat surgeries. The costs of these emergent revision surgeries to restore CSF flow and alleviate painful symptoms present a heavy emotional and financial burden to patients, families, and healthcare facilities.

Related Links:
Northwestern University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign


Gold Member
STI Test
Vivalytic Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Array
Gold Member
POC Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile Prime Plus
New
Trocar
TAN RoTaLock Trocar
New
High Pressure Balloon Catheter
UroMax Ultra
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to HospiMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Hospital Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of HospiMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of HospiMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of HospiMedica International in digital format
  • Free HospiMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: For the first time, a fluorescent-guided nerve imaging agent has shown promise for use in humans (Photo courtesy of VUMC)

Fluorescent Imaging Agent ‘Lights Up’ Nerves for Better Visualization During Surgery

Surgical nerve injury is a significant concern in head and neck surgeries, where nerves are at risk of being inadvertently damaged during procedures. Such injuries can lead to complications that may impact... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The revolutionary automatic IV-Line flushing device set for launch in the EU and US in 2026 (Photo courtesy of Droplet IV)

Revolutionary Automatic IV-Line Flushing Device to Enhance Infusion Care

More than 80% of in-hospital patients receive intravenous (IV) therapy. Every dose of IV medicine delivered in a small volume (<250 mL) infusion bag should be followed by subsequent flushing to ensure... Read more

Business

view channel
Image: A research collaboration aims to further advance findings in human genomics research in cardiovascular diseases (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Bayer and Broad Institute Extend Research Collaboration to Develop New Cardiovascular Therapies

A research collaboration will focus on the joint discovery of novel therapeutic approaches based on findings in human genomics research related to cardiovascular diseases. Bayer (Berlin, Germany) and... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.