Unmet Need
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain which can lead to brain damage. In order to treat this condition, brain shunts are inserted surgically into a ventricle to drain the excess fluid. Around 125,000 people in the United States are living with these cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) shunts and 33,000 shunts are placed every year in new patients. However, with shunt placements, there is no current way to detect if the pressure build up has decreased and if a reduction in flow has occurred. Thus, there is a need for a device that can aid in real-time monitoring of a brain shunt.
Technology Overview
Johns Hopkins researchers have created a brain shunt that can provide real time monitoring of various physiological factors. This shunt will monitor the brain’s pressure, CSF flow, chemistry of the CSF and electric waves. Additionally, it will provide information on the proteomics of the fluid flow through the brain as well as an early marker for infection detection. Finally, it will relay this data in real time using Bluetooth cellular, WiFi and other connection options to a cell phone and to a connected health platform.
Stage of Development
Prototype is under development.
