Post-Shunt Isolated Compartments in Hydrocephalus: Proposal for a New Classification and Experimental Proof of the Pathophysiology

The clinical features and pathophysiology of specific forms of postshunt isolated compartments were analyzed. The possible pathogenesis of the individual clinical entity was discussed on the basis of various experimental studies, which included morphological evaluation and pressure monitoring in a canine slit-ventricle model a silicon ventricular system simulation model for post-shunt ICP dynamics analysis, and so forth. A clinically applicable classification was used to evaluate the progression of hydrocephalus (Stage I–IV), and to define the compartment isolation after shunting in previously communicating cerebral ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord (Type I–IV).