Treatment: ETV & Other Procedures
Aqueductoplasty
Aqueductoplasty is a procedure to reopen or widen a narrowed cerebral aqueduct, sometimes with a stent, to restore cerebrospinal fluid flow.
In short: Aqueductoplasty
- It reopens or widens a narrowed cerebral aqueduct.
- It restores CSF flow between the third and fourth ventricles.
- It is sometimes done with a stent to keep the aqueduct open.
- It is used in selected cases, including a trapped fourth ventricle.
What it is
Aqueductoplasty is a procedure to reopen or widen a narrowed or blocked cerebral aqueduct, restoring the flow of cerebrospinal fluid between the third and fourth ventricles. It is sometimes combined with placing a stent to help keep the aqueduct open.
Understanding Aqueductoplasty
When the cerebral aqueduct is narrowed (aqueductal stenosis) or a part of the ventricular system is isolated (such as a trapped fourth ventricle), aqueductoplasty can be used to reopen the channel, allowing CSF to flow through it again. Because a reopened aqueduct can sometimes re-narrow, a small stent (a thin tube) may be placed to keep it patent. Aqueductoplasty is performed endoscopically and is used in selected situations where reopening the aqueduct is the appropriate solution — for example, in some cases of a trapped fourth ventricle. Whether to use aqueductoplasty, and whether to add a stent, is individualized to the anatomy and the problem being addressed.
Why it matters
Understanding aqueductoplasty helps families see how a narrowed or blocked aqueduct can sometimes be reopened to restore CSF flow, and why a stent may be added to keep it open — an option used in selected cases.
Common questions
What is aqueductoplasty?
Reopening or widening a narrowed cerebral aqueduct.
Why might a stent be added?
To keep the aqueduct from re-narrowing.
When is it used?
In selected cases, such as a trapped fourth ventricle.
Bottom line
Aqueductoplasty reopens or widens a narrowed cerebral aqueduct, sometimes with a stent, to restore CSF flow in selected cases.
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