THE DELTA VALVE - A PHYSIOLOGICAL SHUNT SYSTEM

PS Medical has advanced the state-of-the-art in hydrocephalus valve te chnology with the introduction of the Delta Valve. The Delta Valve is designed upon the premise that the shunted patient should have intracr anial pressure (ICP) maintenance within a normal range regardless of c erebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow rate or body position. All previous valv es have performance characteristics that are greatly influenced by the negative hydrostatic pressure caused by the gravitational effect on t he vertical water column in the distal catheter. This negative pressur e influence is non-physiologic and contributes directly to overdrainag e that can cause slit ventricles, subdural hematoma, and proximal cath eter occlusions. The Delta Valve is the only valve that maintains a ne ar-constant pressure gradient regardless of flow rate or patient postu re. It automatically adjusts for increasing negative pressures in the distal catheter by proportionally increasing its resistance to flow, t hus nullifying the adverse effects of the hydrostatic force on intracr anial pressures. The result is a shunt system that provides for CSF dr ainage while allowing the patient's normal physiologic conditions to c ontrol ICP. The early use of the Delta Valve in the treatment of hydro cephalus may reduce the incidence of the dramatic complications associ ated with overdrainage.