A Miniaturized Valve That Mimics Functional Arachnoid Granulations to Treat Hydrocephalus
Abstract
The proposed research project addresses the “Hydrocephalus” topic area for the following areas of encouragement: Research on the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of post-traumatic hydrocephalus and research on the prevention of shunt failure or the development of novel shunt technologies. Hydrocephalus is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain, which can cause swelling and headaches and lead to difficulty in walking, abnormal cognitive functions, convulsions, and even death. Hydrocephalus presents itself in cases of post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) (0.7%-45% of TBI patients develop post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH), depending upon the severity of TBI) as well as in newborns in the U.S. (~1 in every 500 births). Over 92% of hydrocephalus-afflicted individuals must rely on an antiquated and unreliable treatment method called shunting. Shunting is the process of diverting the brain fluid away from the brain and into another cavity of the body. Unfortunately, shunting has a high rate of failure (~40% within the first 2 years and 98% within 10 years), a serious challenge that points to the need for a better approach. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that the most frequent shunting failures are related to mechanical breaks, leaks, or infection. Many of these complications are highly associated with the lengthy and easily occluded catheters used in shunting. Our project proposes an improved and novel approach to treating hydrocephalus that can lead to better outcomes and quality of life for patients, including those who suffer from PTH. Our team has developed an implant system, comprised of a catheter-less, fully passive valve, which will act as an artificial valve to mimic the body’s natural regulation of brain fluid to an outer layer of the brain (superior sagittal sinus) where it can be reabsorbed without issue. The goal of this project is to develop and evaluate this new implant—through testing via in vitro (laboratory) and in vivo (animal) models. We term this implant an artificial Arachnoid Granulation (aAG) as it emulates the body’s arachnoid granulation valve system and will restore brain fluid flow to its natural pathway by mimicking the body’s intended process. With this novel technology, shunts can be eliminated, along with their associated complications. This translates to dramatically improved quality of life for hydrocephalus patients, to include current and former Service members who have suffered PTH as a consequence of TBI.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010806
Entities
People
- Mark Preul
Organizations
- United States Army