Final answer:
A shunt is a device inserted to drain cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body for long-term treatment of chronic hydrocephalus. It includes a catheter, a one-way valve, and sometimes a reservoir, and certain shunts have adjustable valves to regulate the draining rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
To treat chronic hydrocephalus, where long-term drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is required, a shunt is inserted to move CSF to another part of the body, typically the abdominal cavity. A shunt system generally consists of a catheter, a one-way valve and sometimes a reservoir that can be accessed for CSF sampling and shunt pressure checking. The one-way valve ensures that CSF flows in the correct direction and at the proper rate. Implanting a shunt is the most common method used to treat hydrocephalus and can lead to significant recovery.
However, there are potential complications associated with brain shunts, like mechanical malfunctions or infections, and the rate of CSF drainage needs to be carefully controlled. Overdraining can cause the ventricles to collapse, while underdraining can maintain pressure on the brain, leading to neurological symptoms. Adjustable pressure valves on some shunts help manage these risks by controlling the rate of fluid drainage. This delicate balance between CSF production and removal is critical in both the development and treatment of hydrocephalus.