{"id":"fd289b0d-d7c9-48da-9373-df56eb6aa118","slug":"re-reasons-procedures-and-outcomes-in-ventriculoatrial-shunts-a-single-center-experience","title":"RE: Reasons, procedures, and outcomes in ventriculoatrial shunts: A single-center experience","authors":["Falah B. Maroun"],"abstract":"Background: The article discusses the use of ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts in patients with repeated shunt dysfunction or infection, highlighting a single-center experience with 10 such patients. The author reflects on their extensive experience with shunt operations over 40 years, noting the historical shift from VA to ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts due to complications. Methods: The VA shunt placement is performed by a neurosurgeon who canalizes the common facial vein through a small incision under the angle of the right mandible. The distal end of the cardiac catheter is then placed in the right atrium under electrocardiogram (EKG) control until the P wave becomes biphasic, ensuring proper placement. Results: The author reports a total of 1292 shunt operations, including 186 VA shunts and 489 VP shunts, with additional revisions and conversions between shunt types. The experience indicates that while VA shunts were initially favored, complications led to a preference for VP shunts, although some patients required conversion back to VA shunts. Conclusion: The author expresses satisfaction with the renewed focus on the role of VA shunts in specific clinical scenarios, emphasizing the importance of surgical experience and anesthetic monitoring in performing these procedures effectively. Keywords: ventriculoatrial shunt, shunt dysfunction, shunt infection, neurosurgery, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, surgical experience, EKG monitoring","thumbnailUrl":null,"publishDate":"2013-06-19T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.113650","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/fd289b0d-d7c9-48da-9373-df56eb6aa118/pdf"}