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BACKGROUND: Patients with complex shunt-related problems and varying diagnoses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disturbance can present with headache and clinical symptoms that may be difficult to relate to underdrainage or overdrainage. Telemetric intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may assist in evaluating individual patients and assessing shunt function and adjustment. We report a case series of patients receiving a Miethke M.scio sensor.

METHODS: Between June 2016 and August 2021, 14 patients older than 18 years with different diagnoses underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery and received a Miethke M.scio sensor.

RESULTS: Patients had idiopathic intracranial hyper-tension (n = 3), obstructive hydrocephalus caused by tumors (n = 4), and malformations (n = 5). Headaches (71%) and visual impairment (50%) were the most common symptoms before surgery and 65% of the symptoms were improved after surgery. In total, 25 measurements were made and 11 of these led to changes in the shunt settings. Postoperative measurements were taken in 8 patients and the most common indication of ICP measurement was headache and/or control of the shunt settings.

CONCLUSIONS: The Miethke M.scio is a safe and valuable device to use in shunt-treated patients, in particular those expected to need assessment of ICP monitoring postoperatively. Repeated ICP measurements can also assist in personalized adjustment of the shunt setting to optimize CSF flow in this diverse patient group. Future studies should include a standardized protocol with ICP measurements correlated to the symptoms and cause of CSF disturbances to provide better understanding of the dynamics of the ICP in each patient.