Detection Of Shunt Occlusions Within Clinical Range

We have detected shunt occlusions in the range of 0 mm2 to 0.503 mm2. We have developed a method to monitor cerebrospinal fluid in clinically relevant ranges, including flow rates as low as 1 mL/hr and pressures in the range of 0.5 mmHg to 13.9 mmHg. This is done by utilizing capacitive biosensors that are equipped with flexible membranes spaced less than 1 µm apart. The capacitors are part of a resonant LC circuit and can be read transdermally in the MHz range with kHz precision via a custom external reader. This allows the device to function without need of a battery. Noninvasive monitoring of the fluid would provide physicians a useful way of diagnosing shunt malfunctions while preventing further brain injury from complications in patients affected by hydrocephalus as well as minimize unnecessary shunt revisions.