Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts Attorneys
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Definition
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are catheters (tubes) that are placed into a brain ventricle (a hollow space in the brain) to drain the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the abdomen. They are most commonly used as a treatment for hydrocephalus (a condition in which there is an excess of CSF in the brain, resulting in increased pressure inside the skull).
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VP Shunts) are a good solution, but they are not perfect. They must be continuously replaced. In infants, ventriculoperitoneal shunts must be replaced every two years because, with the growth of the young child, the shunts become too short to function properly. In older children and adults, ventriculoperitoneal shunts need to be replaced only every eight to ten years, unless they become clogged sooner.
Dangers of the operation
Large hematomas are common complications of surgeries aimed at inserting ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This is because the surgery involves inserting a metal rod that runs the shunt into the brain. It is nearly impossible to do this without some damage to the brain. Hematomas may go undetected for months after the surgical procedure.
Infection is also a risk of the operation. A foreign body is entering the body and thus, even with sterilization, bacteria are entering, as well.
Malpractice
In rare cases, patients die on the operating table when their doctors place burr holes (a small opening in the skull made with a surgical drill) too close to the midline. This often results in a large, uncontrollable hematoma.
If the ventriculoperitoneal shunt is placed in the wrong place in the brain, it can result in numbness, contralateral hemiparesis, and even paralysis.
Shunt malfunctions
The signs and symptoms of a shunt malfunction are:
- Headaches
- Malaise
- Vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
- Increase in head circumference
- Cushings triad
- Bulging fontanel
- Macewanis sign
- Changes in gait
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Neck pain
Living with a shunt can be difficult. Every fever, every vomiting episode, every headache, creates fear that the shunt has become blocked. Delay in unblocking a shunt can lead to severe damage or even death.
Goren, Goren & Harris, P.C.
If you had a shunt placed because of negligently afflicted trauma, or because of a delay in diagnosing meningitis or other infection, we can help. With nearly forty years of experience, the Ohio ventriculoperitoneal shunt attorneys of Goren, Goren & Harris, P.C. have proven their dedication to defending their clients’ rights. We understand how serious it is to live with a shunt and have repeatedly obtained substantial compensation for our clients with a shunt. We have been designated as one of the nation’s “preeminent” law firms by Martindale-Hubbell. We have been listed in “Who’s Who in American Law” by Marquis, and our work for malpractice clients have gotten us to be considered one of the “Super Lawyers” listed by Law and Politics magazine. Let us use our experience, reputation and skills to help you.
If you or someone you love has suffered because of the mistakes of doctors, contact the Detroit ventriculoperitoneal shunt lawyers at Goren, Goren & Harris, P.C. for a consultation, free of charge!
