The spelling of "Shunt valve" uses the English phonetic system, which uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "shunt" is spelled as \ʃʌnt\ and refers to the diversion of a fluid or gas. The word "valve" is spelled as \vælv\ and refers to a device that controls the flow of a fluid or gas. Therefore, a shunt valve is a device that diverts the flow of a fluid or gas and also controls the flow through the use of a valve.
A shunt valve is a medical device used to manage the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in individuals with hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain. The shunt valve is an integral component of a shunt system, which is a surgical solution implemented to divert excess CSF away from the brain and into another body cavity, usually the abdominal area, where it can be absorbed and excreted.
The shunt valve is typically placed within the shunt tubing, acting as a control mechanism that regulates the quantity of CSF being redirected. It consists of a series of valves, chambers, and openings designed to adjust the fluid flow according to the needs of the patient. The main purpose of the shunt valve is to maintain a stable pressure within the cranial cavity by preventing excessive CSF buildup.
This device operates through a differential pressure mechanism, in which the pressure of CSF exerted on the valve's inlet surpasses a pre-determined threshold to trigger the opening of the valve, allowing the fluid to flow into the catheter and then into the body cavity. Once the pressure decreases to a certain level, the valve closes, prohibiting further fluid drainage. By regulating CSF flow, the shunt valve helps alleviate symptoms associated with hydrocephalus, such as headaches, nausea, and visual disturbances.
Shunt valves are available in different types, including adjustable valves that can be externally modified to regulate the pressure settings, programmable valves that can be adjusted through the use of magnetic fields, and fixed-pressure valves set at a specific pressure threshold. The choice of valve depends on the patient's condition, age, and individual needs.
The word "shunt" originated from the Middle English word "shunten", which means "to move or turn aside". It can be traced back to the Old English word "sceontan", meaning "to change direction" or "to avoid". The word "valve" comes from the Latin word "valva", which refers to a folding door or a leaf of a door. In medical terminology, a "valve" generally refers to a device that controls the flow of fluid in a system. When combined, "shunt valve" is a term that describes a mechanical device designed to divert or regulate the flow of fluid in the body, typically used in medical procedures such as shunt implantation for the treatment of hydrocephalus.