Hydrocephalus

This trial investigates endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), a minimally invasive brain surgery, as a treatment for hydrocephalus—fluid buildup in the brain—in children up to 18 years old. Instead of implanting a permanent shunt tube, surgeons create a small hole in the brain …

Hydrocephalus is often treated with a shunt that drains excess fluid from the brain, but shunts can stop working and checking flow usually requires imaging or invasive tests. This study compares two noninvasive thermal sensors placed on the skin over the shunt: the investigationa…

This study tests whether a portable, radiation-free ultrasound performed at the bedside can accurately detect brain injuries in children, compared to the standard head CT scan. Researchers will enroll 220 children aged 2-17 who are already scheduled for a head CT due to suspected…

This study tests a new wireless, noninvasive device called the Rhaeos Shunt Monitoring System (RSMS) that sticks to the skin to detect fluid flow in brain shunts used for hydrocephalus. About 85 children and adults with working shunts will have their shunt flow measured with both…

This study tests whether shining UVC light on the surgical area during brain surgery can prevent wound infections. 75 adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus who need a shunt will be randomly assigned to receive real UVC light or a sham device. The researchers will check for ge…

This study tests whether applying vancomycin powder directly into the surgical wound during shunt placement can prevent infections in children with hydrocephalus. About 164 children will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care or standard care plus the powder. The go…

This study tests two strategies for removing an external ventricular drain (a tube that drains fluid from the brain) in 170 adults who had a brain bleed. One method clamps the drain shut as soon as it's safe, while the other gradually raises the drain over time. The goal is to se…