STUDY OF ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR CEREBROSPINAL FLUID SHUNTING TO THE VENOUS CIRCULATION, EXPERIMENTAL MODELLING

Abstract

Hydrocephalus being an important problem in medicine,has received great attention roe during the past few years. This thesis studies alternative methods of shunting Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the I venous circulation. A comparison was done between two different methods of shunting.

4 tr r i l · <Tr. The two methods depend on the collapse behaviour of the Internal Jugular Vein +} (I.J.V.).

An experimental model was used to study the collapse behaviour of the I.J.V. and its reflection on the static and kinetic fluid heads along it. This thesis starts by explaining the medical background of hydrocephalus , and the surgical methods used for its treatment as well as the investigations related to shunting CSF to the I.J. V.. The previous studies dealing with flow through collapsible tubes are also reviewed.

I The studies covered by the thesis includes:

1- Determination of the relation between Transmural Pressure and the tube volume using an experimental model (two tubes having different wall properties have been used). 2• Experimental determination of the relation between pressure drop and flow rate under constant Transmural Pressures covering the negative and positive regions .