Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ventriculopleural shunt placement: a minimally invasive technique.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Ventriculopleural shunt is still considered a third-line option for CSF diversion, when both peritoneal and atrial cavity are contraindicated. Different approaches have been used and in modern surgery, lesser invasive techniques are predominant. The goal of this manuscript is to present a minimally invasive placement of a pleural catheter. METHODS: We describe a minimally invasive approach to the pleural space using an a-traumatic peel-away introducer under ultrasonographic intraoperative control. Furthermore, consideration about complications, follow-up and advantages of the abovementioned technique will be discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous US guided placement for pleural catheter is a safer and modern minimally invasive approach to the pleural space. Pleural effusion is the predominant complication, encountered especially in younger children.