Hydrocephalus
Shunt systems
Three valve families in ventriculoperitoneal and lumboperitoneal kits: Depus with fixed and adjustable pressures, and the metal-free silicone Defit and Decurve valves.
What is a shunt system?
A CSF shunt system diverts excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles or the lumbar space to another body cavity, usually the peritoneum, to treat hydrocephalus. It consists of a valve that controls the flow and the catheters that carry the fluid. DESU makes three valve families and supplies them in complete kits.
The products
Depus ShuntsPolysulfone-valve shunt family with a ruby ball and titanium spring mechanism: low, medium and high fixed pressures and adjustable options, in VP and LP kits.
Defit ShuntsFixed-pressure, flat-bottom silicone shunt in Ultra Small, Small and Regular sizes, with low, medium and high pressure options. Contains no metal and is compatible with MRI and CT.
Decurve ShuntsFixed-pressure, burr-hole silicone shunt in paediatric and adult valve sizes, with low, medium and high pressure options. Has a reservoir and contains no metal.
Depus Adjustment KitThe tools to locate the adjustable Depus valve, read its pressure and set it. In 3 Pressure and 5 Pressure versions, supplied in a non-sterile, reusable case.
Antisiphon DeviceHelps prevent overdrainage by closing immediately against the siphon effect that can occur when the peritoneal catheter moves from horizontal to vertical.
Depus, Defit and Decurve compared
| Feature | Depus | Defit | Decurve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve | Polysulfone; ruby ball and titanium spring | Flat-bottom silicone body | Burr-hole silicone body with reservoir |
| Pressure | Low, medium, high fixed; adjustable | Low, medium, high fixed | Low, medium, high fixed |
| Sizes | Adjustable valve: paediatric and adult | Ultra Small, Small, Regular (35, 40, 45 mm) | Paediatric 23 mm, adult 28 mm |
| Metal parts | Titanium spring | No metal; suitable for MRI and CT | No metal; suitable for MRI and CT |
| Kits | VP, LP | VP | VP |
| Antibiotic-impregnated option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Antisiphon device | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Frequently asked questions
Which shunt valves does DESU make?
Three families: the polysulfone Depus valve with a ruby ball and titanium spring mechanism (fixed and adjustable); the flat-bottom silicone Defit valve; and the round, burr-hole silicone Decurve valve with a reservoir.
Are adjustable shunts available?
Yes. Adjustable Depus valves come in paediatric and adult options. The valve is located, its pressure read and set non-invasively with the Depus Adjustment Kit, offered in 3 Pressure and 5 Pressure versions.
Which DESU shunts contain no metal?
Defit and Decurve valves have no metal parts and are suitable for MRI and CT.
What is in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt kit?
The valve, a 23 cm ventricular catheter, a 120 cm peritoneal catheter, a stylet and a right-angled connector. An antisiphon device can be added; the codes of those kits end in “-ASD”.
Are antibiotic-impregnated shunt kits available?
Yes. Defit and Decurve kits come as semi-antibiotic (standard valve with antibiotic-impregnated catheters) and full-antibiotic (impregnated valve body and catheters) versions; Depus kits are offered with antibiotic-impregnated catheters, and adjustable Depus valves also with an impregnated valve body. The antibiotic is released in a controlled manner over 28 days.
How are the shunt kits sterilised?
All shunt systems are supplied single-use, sterilised by ethylene oxide.
Who manufactures these products?
DESU, a medical device manufacturer founded in 2007 as an R&D company at Hacettepe Teknokent, makes them in its own cleanrooms in Ankara, Türkiye. The products carry the CE mark and are made under an ISO 13485 quality management system; DESU exports to more than 50 countries.
Related articles
- NeurosurgeryFixed-Pressure vs Adjustable Shunt Valves: How the Choice Is Made
- NeurosurgeryFlat-Bottom vs Burr-Hole Shunt Valves: Defit and Decurve Compared
- NeurosurgeryMetal-Free Shunt Valves and Imaging: What Defit and Decurve Offer
- NeurosurgeryShunt Valve Sizes for Paediatric Hydrocephalus: Matching the Patient
- NeurosurgeryWhat Is in a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Kit? A Component Checklist
- NeurosurgeryAntisiphon Device in Shunt Kits: How It Counters the Siphon Effect