Varish Venkatesh

Can artificial intelligence be used to combat the shortcomings of modern-day shunt surgery to treat hydrocephalus?

Started Feb. 16, 2022

Abstract or project description

Developing an Arduino Shunt to Monitor and Correct CSF Volume

Shunt surgery is a present mechanism used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside brain cavities, causing symptoms such as mild dementia, poor coordination, and lack of bladder control, impacting the life quality of many individuals around the world. This works by having a postoperative shunt containing a pipe and a valve that drains a certain amount of fluid from the brain, which is later deposited in the stomach and digested there. This solution contains many problems, such as the need for multiple surgical checkups, the risk of over and under drainage, and infections. This medical procedure has not progressed for over 30 years, and with the introduction of various neurological devices, modern-day shunt surgery is lagging behind. This project, Arduino Shunt for Hydrocephalus (ASH),) aims to combat all the problems with current shunt surgery through the use of a mechanical shunt. The ASH shunt can measure varying amounts of CSF using a volumetric (or pressurized) sensor connected to an Arduino chip, to move CSF volume to the abdomen as needed. The chip then signals the pressurized valve to extract the volume of CSF from the brain, that is outside the 90 to 200mL range. This may reduce the need for regular checkups, possibly lowering the chance of infections caused by extra surgeries. It also prevents the chances of over and under drainage of cerebrospinal fluid leading to a more healthy patient.