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Tien T. Nguyen, M.D., Scott Leary, M.D., Mark D. Krieger, M.D.

INTRODUCTION: Ventriculopleural shunts (VPlS) are alternatives to ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) for cerebrospinal fluid diversion in patients with hydrocephalus. The procedure is contraindicated in infants and young children because of accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.

METHODS: We reviewed our series of VPlS insertion at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles from 1993 to 2002.

RESULTS: Fifty-five children (24 male, 21 female; age range, 6–22 yr; mean, 15 yr) underwent conversion to a VPlS during the 10-year period. All but one had pleural shunt insertion because of a failed peritoneal shunt (21 with abdominal pseudocyst, 18 with abdominal infection, and 6 with severe abdominal adhesions). The last patient had a distal ventriculoatrial shunt (VAS) obstruction. A Phoenix ventricular catheter, Delta valve, and 120 cm tubing were used in all patients. The follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 10 years...