Ultrasound use in assessment of shunt function
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Is there a role for focussed ultrasound in assessment of shunt function
IRAS ID
299201
Contact name
Lucie Ferguson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Shunt systems are used for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and can be prone to complications such as blockage or failure of components. This is usually investigated by a CT scan of the head to assess if there is any evidence of the shunt being blocked and subsequent raised pressure in the brain, and the use of plain X-rays that examine the neck, chest and abdomen to detect any obvious disconnections or malplacement of the shunt tubing. Due to the inherent high failure rates with shunts, patients can often be subjected to numerous CT and x-ray imaging over a life-time.We propose the use of ultrasound imaging to identify the components of the shunt are in the correct position from the neck to the abdomen, and there are no disconnections seen. This would aim to reduce the exposure to radiation for these patients who are often young and women of childbearing age.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NE/0051
Date of REC Opinion
10 Oct 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion