Cerebrospinal fluid shunt valve

A cerebrospinal fluid shunt valve is a surgically implanted device used to manage excess pressure from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain or spinal cord. It helps redirect CSF from the ventricles or lumbar spine to the abdomen or heart, reducing symptoms of hydrocephalus and preventing brain damage by maintaining balanced fluid pressure.

These devices are typically regulated as medical implants, often requiring pre-market approval or conformity assessment depending on the jurisdiction. They are supplied sterile and pre-connected to catheters, with some models designed for non-invasive pressure adjustments via external programming. Classification varies by region, but they are generally considered high-risk due to their permanent implantation.