Hot off the press: October – Hydrocephalus Society

Posted on October 6, 2026 by admin

Save the Date:

Save the Date:
Hydrocephalus 2027 World Congress Save the Date!

The countdown to Baltimore begins!

Mark your calendar for the Hydrocephalus 2027 World Congress, taking place 27-30 August 2027 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Once again, the international hydrocephalus community will come together for four days of scientific exchange, new ideas, meaningful connections and collaboration – all with a shared focus on advancing the future of hydrocephalus care and research.

📅 27-30 August 2027
📍 Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Save the date and get ready for Hydrocephalus 2027!

Paper of the month – October 2026📑

We are pleased to present this month’s interesting paper, “Evaluation of shunt valve flow dynamics in series” authored by:Gwendolyn L M Williams
Kenae Thompson
Michael Meggyesy
Dipankar Biswas
Ryan Lee
Sai Chandan Reddy
S Farzad Maroufi
Carolyn A Harris
Mark Luciano

This study investigates how differential pressure and gravitational shunt valves behave when placed in series and in isolation, using a controlled, gravity-driven benchtop flow system.

The authors found low variability in isolated differential-pressure valves (DPVs), but substantial variability in gravitational valves depending on body position, between supine and upright
positions.

In the series configuration, flow rates were significantly affected by the setting of the second valve, while the DPV setting had a significant effect on flow rate only in the supine position.

However, the mechanisms underlying flow through valves in series may be more complicated than currently understood.

Neither model could accurately predict the observed flow rates.
These findings highlight the complexity of shunt dynamics and the limitations clinicians face when relying on a trial-and-error approach to determinate the optimal opening pressure.

Further research may help develop more accurate models and ultimately improve individualized shunt valve management, reducing the number of adjustments needed to find the appropriate opening pressure.

Read the paper