It was reported to medtronic neurosurgery that a patient with a history of acute obstructive hydrocephalus with a ventriculoperitoneal (vp) shunt that was placed 7 years ago presented approximately 3 months ago with reports of increased headaches, visual disturbances including diplopia, and ataxia; a shunt malfunction was diagnosed.It was confirmed that during an examination 3 years ago, the device showed normal function and worked well until a few months ago.The patient was taken to the operating room and the shunt wasrevised; a new distal system and valve were implanted.It was confirmed that the ventricular catheter worked well, but the patient presented again on several occasions with reports of "what [the patient] thought were low pressure headaches"; a shunt problem was reported.According to the report, there was a small curve of the distal catheter that was caudal to the anti-siphon device.The health care provider (hcp) thought this could be the cause of the previously noted problem, so a revision was performed.It was then reported that this was not the cause of the problem as the problem appeared to be in the valve system.The ventricular catheter was cut proximal to the shunt and a brisk ingress of spinal fluid, which was perfectly clear and under relatively high pressure, came out of the ventricular catheter without any event; a rubber shod was placed immediately.According to the report, it was concluded that there was a failure somewhere within the system of the valve and anti-siphon device.The patient's medical history included the following: copd, vp shunt placement approximately 7 years ago, headaches, and ataxia.
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