FURI | Summer 2020

The Development of Geometries for a Passive Check Valve in Patients with Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus (HCP) is a chronic, congenital neurological disorder. Faulty arachnoid granulations inhibit the draining of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) across the interior subarachnoid space leading to an accumulation of CSF in the ventricles. Current treatments for HCP involve macroscopic shunts to lower intracranial pressure, but about 50% of these fail within two years of implantation. To restore draining operations, the team modeled a 2D needle-like geometry resembling a valve. Simulations performed revealed turbulence at the valve’s exit. The CSF is capable of draining across the valve and subsequently mixing with the passing blood. Negligible reverse flow leakage is observed.