RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Protein adsorption to hydrocephalus shunt catheters: CSF protein adsorption
JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 643
OP 647
DO 10.1136/jnnp.64.5.643
VO 64
IS 5
A1 Howard L Brydon
A1 Geoff Keir
A1 Edward J Thompson
A1 Roger Bayston
A1 Richard Hayward
A1 William Harkness
YR 1998
UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/64/5/643.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE To assess the quantity and nature of the proteins that adsorb to hydrocephalus shunt catheters after implantation, and to determine whether sufficient could accumulate to obstruct the catheter. DESIGN Elution of proteins from 102 explanted shunt catheters, with protein assay and electrophoresis of the eluate, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the catheters. RESULTS The amount of protein elutable was extremely low, and significant protein, apart from a thin film, was not found on SEM. Qualitative analysis disclosed that most of the adsorbed protein was albumin. CONCLUSIONS Protein deposition on hydrocephalus catheters does not occur in sufficient quantities to cause catheter obstruction.