LEVEEN SHUNT Meaning and
Definition
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A LeVeen shunt, also known as a LeVeen peritoneovenous shunt (PVS), is a medical device used in the treatment of refractory or intractable ascites. Ascites refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, often caused by liver disease or cancer.
A LeVeen shunt is a surgically implanted tube-like device that allows the drainage of excess fluid from the peritoneal cavity, where ascites accumulates, into the venous system. The shunt is typically made of silicone rubber and consists of two tubes – one connected to a catheter placed in the peritoneal cavity and the other connected to a catheter inserted into a large vein, most commonly the internal jugular vein. The two tubes are connected by a one-way valve mechanism that allows fluid flow in only one direction.
The LeVeen shunt functions by diverting the accumulated ascitic fluid from the abdomen, where it causes discomfort and distension, to the venous circulation, where it can be filtered and eliminated by the kidneys. By improving fluid balance, the shunt helps relieve symptoms associated with ascites, such as abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and swelling.
Although the LeVeen shunt has been used for many years, its usage has considerably declined in recent times due to the availability of alternative treatments and the risk of complications associated with its long-term usage, such as infection, thrombosis, and shunt malfunction. Therefore, it is typically considered as a last resort treatment for patients who have failed to respond to other therapeutic interventions for ascites.
Common Misspellings for LEVEEN SHUNT
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Etymology of LEVEEN SHUNT
The term "LeVeen Shunt" is named after the surgeon who developed it, Dr. Peter LeVeen. The word "shunt" in medicine refers to a surgical procedure or device used to divert the flow of bodily fluid from one pathway to another. In the case of the LeVeen Shunt, it specifically refers to a type of shunt used to alleviate the build-up of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) that occurs in certain medical conditions.
