|
Principal Investigator: Dr. Robin Gleed
Contact Information: E-mail: rdg2@cornell.edu
- Phone: 607-253-3237
Sponsor: Transonics Systems (Subcontract Agreement)
Grant Number: 1 R43NS049680-01A1
Title: A Flow Monitor for Pediatric Hydrocephalic Shunts
Annual Direct Cost: $8,013
Project Period: 09/01/05-08/31/06
Hydrocephalic shunt dysfunction diagnosis is one
of the most complicated and time consuming aspects of treating hydrocephalic
infants and young children, since preverbal children cannot describe such
critical symptoms as persistent headaches. One must instead rely on observable
symptoms that often resemble those of common childhood illnesses. As a result,
suspected shunt dysfunction often requires emergency room admission and
invasive diagnostic tests, yet it is estimated that the shunt is actually
working properly two out of three visits. One could greatly improve outcomes
and reduce patient/parental stress if doctors could non-invasively measure
shunt tubing CSF flow to assess shunt patency and shunt under/over drainage.
Transonic Systems, Phoenix Biomedical, and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
will address this need by developing a
transcutaneously-powered/measured flow probe module integrated with standard
shunt tubing exterior to the skull. This module will measure dynamic shunt
volumetric flow by sending transit-time ultrasonic pulses through the tubing
wall. This extra-luminar design ensures that transducers never contact CSF, and
that the module can be integrated with existing shunt systems. Phase-l
bench/in-vivo studies will validate the monitor's flow resolution and accuracy,
leading to a Phase-ll program to develop a fully implantable unit suitable for
animal validation and initial clinical studies.
| 
