Emerging Technology

Researchers are advancing clinical (human) and preclinical (animal) research focused on hydrocephalus to improve diagnostic and treatment technologies. The current research aims to improve outcomes, reduce complications, and personalize treatment.

The landscape on emerging technology on this page highlights both the progress and the obstacles in advancing hydrocephalus care, with a future of more effective, less invasive, and personalized treatments.

These are only a few of the developing technologies in the field of hydrocephalus. Stay tuned as we continue to update this page with new advancements.

The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) does not endorse any companies. All the companies and the technology featured here are for educational purposes only.

Advancing Diagnosis and Monitoring

Advancing imaging

Advancing MRI technology includes more mobile and low-power MRIs may enable more frequent imaging and faster diagnosis.

Imaging Advances: There are new developments in the way we capture images of the brain, improving clarity and detail. Improved MRI technology includes lower field strength and higher resolution MRIs, faster scan times, less sedation, and increased access and availability. MRIs are being developed to be more accurate and efficient. In imaging, there are also goals of eliminating CT scanning and their associated radiation.

Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI): The potential for using AI to analyze brain images more quickly and accurately can help doctors make better decisions.

Enhanced Intracranial Pressure (ICP) monitoring

Long-term, and potentially at-home ICP monitoring could offer more convenient and effective tracking of brain pressure.

There are also devices that are being developed to noninvasively check if fluid is passing through your shunt tubing non-invasively and without the use of needles or imaging (MRI or CT scan). Research focuses on the effectiveness of new technology compared to the current technology, sensor longevity, accuracy and drift over time, the impact on shunt revision rates, and patient outcomes

Non-invasive ICP Monitoring:

Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement (eyes) via ultrasound.
Transcranial Doppler.
Madison Scientific is developing a smart shunt to improve treatment for hydrocephalus patients by integrating real-time ICP monitoring and adjustable valve technology. This technology is unlike the traditional shunt systems because it uses sensors and control algorithms to adapt to patient-specific drainage and allows for non-invasive adjustments.

Implantable long term/at home intracranial monitoring:

Mini ICP sensors built into ventricular shunts or placed in the brain, such as the Codman Microsensor. There are other types of developing monitoring including telemetric ICP monitoring devices that can provide continuous ICP readings wirelessly, such as the Miethke M.scio®.
Kitea Health is developing a fully implantable brain sensor that is designed to monitor ICP continuously in patients with hydrocephalus and other neurological conditions. The sensor is wireless, battery-free, and transmits data in real-time, enabling long-term pressure tracking.
Sentiomed is developing polymer-based sensors that measure ICP without requiring electronics inside the body. The sensor responds to ultrasound signals and can be read using standard or handheld ultrasound devices. It is designed for long-term or acute ICP monitoring in hydrocephalus patients and can be integrated into shunts.

Flow and obstruction detection

Devices are being developed for detecting cerebrospinal fluid flow and obstructions could lead to earlier interventions and help avoid unnecessary surgeries.

New technologies are being developed to make it easier to understand and monitor how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows around the brain and spinal cord. These advances may help identify blockages, leaks, or abnormal flow patterns that might cause symptoms in conditions like hydrocephalus. Additionally, new sensors and software may be able to track CSF flow over time, giving doctors more precise data to guide treatment and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

There are developing technologies that use temperature to check flow:

FlowSense by Rhaeos, Inc. is a noninvasive wireless, wearable skin patch that can assess and monitor fluid flow beneath the surface of the skin. A small flexible wireless sensor is placed on your skin near your collar bone. The sensor sends information to an iPad. An automated flow measurement is completed in about ten minutes and the sensor is removed and discarded. Based on the flow measurement report, doctors can see if there is flow through the shunt.

ShuntCheck by NeuroDX uses temperature to check shunt flow. A sensor is placed on the collar bone directly over the shunt tubing and it collects skin temperature data. Then a cold pack is placed on the neck just “upstream” of the sensor, chilling the shunt fluid right through the skin. If the shunt is flowing, the now cooled fluid moves downstream to the sensor and registers as a temperature drop, indicating flow. If the shunt is not flowing, the cooled fluid remains upstream, so no drop in temperature will be recorded.

Other developing technologies include:

The MultiSense microsensor by Senseer Health is a smart sensor platform designed to be used in CSF shunts for real-time monitoring of shunt function. The system continuously monitors key parameters such as flow rate, pressure, and potential blockages, helping clinicians identify issues in the shunt before symptoms worsen or emergency surgery is needed.

PREVENTION OF SHUNT FAILURE

New technologies aim to improve the long-term reliability of shunts by reducing the risk of obstruction and minimizing the chances of infection.

Blockage Prevention

Shunt flushing- A new FDA-approved device that is emerging may provide a non-surgical means to restore or increase CSF flow in a non-flowing shunt. The ReFlow™ Ventricular System by Anuncia Medical, Inc. offers a qualified neurosurgeon a non-invasive means to flush the ventricular catheter in the case of a suspected blockage within the tubing. Some neurosurgeons have found that routine flushing of the Reflow when the shunt system is working may also help to prevent a blockage before it begins. Flushing a Reflow either to open an obstructed catheter or to prevent obstruction needs to be overseen and instructed only by a qualified neurosurgeon.
The Unclogged Cerulean Ventricular Catheter™ from Cerulean Scientific features a specialized surface designed to help prevent blockages and infection caused by cell and bacteria buildup inside the catheter. The technology targets a common way that shunt systems fail and may help maintain drainage function over time.

Infection Prevention

WynnVision, LLC has patented biofilm-resistant surface coatings designed to reduce bacterial growth on medical devices. While not yet tested specifically in hydrocephalus, these coatings may have potential applications in shunt systems to help reduce the risk of infection and device-related complications.

Other emerging technologies

There are developing technologies in all aspects of hydrocephalus.

Minimally invasive treatment: The eShunt® System by CereVasc is a CSF shunt developed for communicating hydrocephalus that can be implanted through a blood vessel in the leg, avoiding the need for traditional brain surgery. CereVasc is currently conducting a clinical trial to study the safety and effectiveness of the eShunt® System in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

The InvisiShunt® by Longeviti is a single-use sterile implant with various shapes and sizes that can encase most current shunt valves on the market. This casing is currently being used in adults.

The Hydrocephalus Association is a collaborating partner of the FDA Total Product Life-Cycle Advisory Program (TAP). We support speeding and achieving patient access to breakthrough devices. The vision for TAP is to help spur more rapid development and widespread patient access to safe, effective, high-quality medical devices of public health importance. The TAP Pilot is intended to foster early interactions FDA facilitates between device manufacturer participants and non-FDA stakeholders.

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