VCU Health is one of twelve medical centers in the United States participating in a clinical trial to evaluate the CereVasc® eShunt® Implant for the treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The trial aims to provide a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods, potentially leading to quicker recovery and fewer complications for patients.
NPH is characterized by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, causing pressure on the brain. Symptoms include changes in gait, incontinence, and dementia, often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease. It affects an estimated 3% of people over 65, but only 20% are properly diagnosed, according to the Hydrocephalus Association.
A Less Invasive Approach
The standard treatment for NPH involves surgically implanting a ventricular peritoneal (VP) shunt, which requires drilling a hole in the skull. The new investigational eShunt device offers a less invasive approach. "The eShunt implant can be delivered to the fluid buildup by making a tiny incision in the leg. Everything is done within the blood vessels themselves and the excess fluid is absorbed by the body," explained John Reavey-Cantwell, M.D., a VCU Health neurosurgeon involved in the study.
Early Trial Success
Reavey-Cantwell has successfully implanted the eShunt in several patients at VCU Health as part of the pilot study. One such patient, 69-year-old Bill Hobgood, was discharged the day after the procedure and reported experiencing very few NPH symptoms one month later. "I feel like I had everybody's attention and support," Hobgood said, praising the VCU Health staff.
VCU Health's NPH Expertise
VCU Health has a long-standing NPH clinic and has contributed to developing the global standard of care for the condition. The institution helped develop the first clinical guidelines for diagnosing and treating NPH. "I’ve been here since 2008. I’ve been doing clinical trials since that time. There is no study that I’ve been as enthusiastic about as this one," Reavey-Cantwell stated.
The eShunt® Implant is currently in the investigational stage and is not approved for commercial use, except within limited clinical studies.
