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

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 (link to Sophysa? Raumedic NEUROVENT-P-tel and the Sophysa Sophy® SM8).

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:

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.
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

Other emerging technologies

There are developing technologies in all aspects of hydrocephalus.

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 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.

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