Lumboperitoneal shunt using fluoroscopy and a peel-away sheath

Abstract

Background: After placement of the spinal catheter into the spinal canal during lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS) placement, the spinal catheter needs to be connected to the programmable valve. Although surgeons always try to secure the spinal catheter position during procedures, it may be accidentally pulled and displaced. This article aimed to introduce a “one-piece method” of LPS using fluoroscopy and peel-away sheath without connecting the spinal catheter to the programmable valve. Methods: An abdominal shunt catheter, valve, and spinal shunt catheter were connected and tunneled to the back for insertion into the lumbar spinal subarachnoid space. The spinal catheter was cut to a length of 15 cm. Lumbar puncture was performed using a 14-gauge Tuohy needle inserted at the L2-3 intervertebral space using an image-guided paramedian technique, and a 0.035-inch guidewire was passed gently through the Tuohy needle under fluoroscopic guidance. The Tuohy needle was withdrawn, and a 5-Fr peel-away sheath was advanced over the wire. The dilator and guide wire were removed, the distal end of the 5-Fr peel-away sheath was checked to ensure that the cerebrospinal fluid flowed out, and the spinal shunt catheter was passed down the sheath. After confirming under fluoroscopic guidance that the catheter was properly positioned, the peel-away sheath was removed. Results: LPS was performed using this method in seven patients without complications. Conclusion: This simple “one-piece method” using fluoroscopy and peel-away sheath is safe and effective for positioning the spinal catheter.

Keywords

• Hydrocephalus
• Lumboperitoneal shunt
• Fluoroscopy
• Peel-away sheath
• Spinal catheter