In vitro performance of the fixed and adjustable gravity-assisted unit with and without motion—evidence of motion-induced flow

Anti-siphon devices and gravitational-assisted valves have been introduced to counteract the effects of overdrainage after implantation of a shunt system. The study examined the flow performance of two gravitational-assisted valves (shunt assistant – SA and programmable shunt assistant – proSA, Miethke & Co. KG, Potsdam, Germany) in an in vitro shunt laboratory with and without motion.

An in vitro laboratory setup was used to model the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage conditions similar to a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and to test the SA (resistance of +20 cmH₂O in 90°) and proSA (adjustable resistance of 0 to +40 cmH₂O in 90°). The differential pressure (DP) through the simulated shunt and tested valve was adjusted between 0 and 60 cmH₂O by combinations of different inflow pressures (40, 30, 20, 10, and 0 cmH₂O) and the hydrostatic negative outflow pressure (0, -20, and -40 cmH₂O) in several differing device positions (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°). In addition, the two devices were tested under vertical motion with movement frequencies of 2, 3, and 4 Hz.

Both gravity-assisted units effectively counteract the hydrostatic effect in relation to the chosen differential pressure. The setting the proSA resulted in flow reductions in the 90° position according to the chosen resistance of the device. Angulation-related flow changes were similar in the two devices in 30–90° position, however, in the 0–30° position, a higher flow is seen in the proSA. Repeated vertical movement significantly increased flow through both devices. While with the proSA a 2-Hz motion was not able to induce additional flow (0.006 ± 0.05 ml/min), 3- and 4-Hz motion significantly induced higher flow values (3 Hz: +0.56 ± 0.12 ml/min, 4 Hz: +0.54 ± 0.04 ml/min). The flow through the SA was not induced by vertical movements at a low DP of 10 cmH₂O at all frequencies, but at DPs of 30 cmH₂O and higher, all frequencies significantly induced higher flow values (2 Hz: +0.36 ± 0.14 ml/min, 3 Hz: +0.32 ± 0.08 ml/min, 4 Hz: +0.28 ± 0.09 ml/min).

In a static setup, both tested valves effectively counteracted the hydrostatic effect according to their adjusted or predefined resistance in vertical position. Motion-induced increased flow was demonstrated for both devices with different patterns of flow depending on applied DP and setting of the respective valve. The documented increased drainage should be considered when selecting appropriate valves and settings in very active patients.