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Dr. Alexa
Canady and a child with Hydrocephalus |
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The Pediatric Neurosurgery group at Children's
Hospital of Michigan forms one of the premier clinical
and academic centers dedicated to promoting better treatments
for Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida. This large group of neurosurgeons,
neuroscientists, nurses, child psychologists, and social workers
focuses on several related areas of research.
New technologies are being developed that will drain, or
"shunt" excess cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid more effectively
from the brain to other parts of the body. More specifically,
shunts are being designed that will mimic the pulsatile flow
of CSF, and thus perform in a more "physiological" way. We
are also participating in an international study to determine
if shunts perform better when placed in traditional ways,
or when endoscopic guidance is added to monitor placement
visually.
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| Dr.
Sood perfoming an operation |
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Because children can develop allergies to silicone, the main
ingredient of shunt catheters, patients who have persistent
shunt problems are being tested for this type of immune reaction.
Since Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida can be diagnosed during
gestation, new state-of-the-art treatments are being designed
that permit endoscopic surgery through needle-like penetrations
of the abdominal wall.
Novel testing and rehabilitation programs are being used
that will detect subtle learning problems as early as 1 month
of age, and promote recovery with customized training sessions.
Finally, testing has just begun to see if continuous diagnostic
monitoring can be performed using small portable PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant) devices like a Palm Pilot® |
Hydrocephalus
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