New brain implant could ease walking and thinking problems in older adults
NCT ID NCT05250505
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests a new device called the eShunt, which is placed in a blood vessel to drain extra fluid from the brain in people with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). NPH causes trouble walking, thinking, and bladder control. The device aims to be a less invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery. The study includes 30 adults aged 65-85 and focuses on safety and whether the device works as intended.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- eShunt Implant (a device that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into the bloodstream)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a less invasive alternative to traditional brain shunts for normal pressure hydrocephalus, potentially reducing surgery risks and recovery time.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early pilot study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is new, and risks like serious adverse events or abnormal imaging findings are being closely monitored.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Mar 2022
- Expected to finish
-
Apr 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
65 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients 65-85 years old and traditional CSF shunt placement is indicated based upon a diagnostic NPH evaluation 2. Patient is able and willing to provide written informed consent 3. History or evidence of gait impairment duration ≥6 months 4. Clinical presentation consistent with NPH including 2 or more of the clinical triad (i.e., history of gait disturbance, progressive mental deterioration, and urinary urgency or incontinence), together with: 1. Brain MRI signs of ventricular enlargement disproportionate to cerebral atrophy (Evans Index \>0.3) and the absence of severe hippocampal atrophy 2. Pre-procedure spinal tap test with subsequent gait disturbance improvement (Timed Up and Go Test) of at least 20% 3. CSF opening pressure ≥10 cmH2O 4. Baseline cognitive evaluation assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test score ≥12 5. Pre-procedure MRI confirmation of anatomy suitable for eShunt Procedure, as described in Section 1.8.3.4.2 and confirmed by SSC 6. Pre-procedure CT confirmation of anatomy suitable for eShunt Procedure, as described in Section 1.8.3.4.2 and confirmed by SSC Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to walk 10 meters (33 feet) with or without an assistive device 2. Conditions impairing gait that are considered to be unrelated to hydrocephalus 3. Signs or symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus 4. Active systemic infection or infection detected in CSF 5. Prior or existing shunts, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or any previous surgical intervention for hydrocephalus 6. Hypersensitivity or contraindication to heparin or radiographic contrast agents which cannot be adequately pre-medicated, desensitized or where no alternative is available 7. Occlusion or stenosis of the internal jugular vein 8. Venous distension in the neck on physical exam 9. Atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale identified on cardiac echocardiogram 10. History of bleeding diatheses, coagulopathy or will refuse blood transfusion in cases of emergency 11. Stroke or transient ischemic attack within 180 days of eShunt Procedure 12. Presence of a deep vein thrombosis superior to the popliteal vein 13. International Normalized Ratio (INR) or Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) results outside of normal range (INR 0.8-1.4; PTT 25-35 seconds) 14. Presence of a posterior fossa tumor or mass 15. Life expectancy \< 1 year 16. Currently participating in another investigational drug or device trial that could conflict with study data collection or follow-up 17. Other medical illnesses that may cause the patient to be non-compliant with the protocol or confound data interpretation 18. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant 19. Unwilling or unable to comply with follow-up requirements
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Clínica La Sagrada Familia
Buenos Aires, Ciudad A. de Buenos Aires, C1426B, Argentina
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Wireless skin sensor aims to detect silent shunt failures
- Radiation-Free brain imaging for kids? ultrasound may offer a safer path
- Can a Brain-Stiffness scan spot a treatable form of dementia?
- Wearable device could monitor brain shunt function from home
- Keyhole brain surgery could spare children from shunt complications
- Sticker on the skin could replace scans for shunt checks