Treatment: ETV & Other Procedures
ETV Success Score (ETVSS)
The ETV Success Score is a tool that estimates the likelihood that an endoscopic third ventriculostomy will succeed, based on age, cause, and prior shunt.
In short: ETV Success Score (ETVSS)
- It estimates the chance of ETV success.
- It is based on age, the cause of hydrocephalus, and any prior shunt.
- It helps with patient selection and counseling.
- It estimates probability for groups, not certainty for an individual.
What it is
The ETV Success Score (ETVSS) is a tool, developed by the Toronto group (Kulkarni and colleagues), that estimates the likelihood that an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) will be successful. It is based on three factors: the person's age, the cause (etiology) of the hydrocephalus, and whether they have had a prior shunt.
Understanding ETV Success Score (ETVSS)
The ETVSS combines age, etiology, and prior shunt history into a score that estimates the probability of ETV success (typically at around six months). It helps surgeons and families weigh whether ETV is a good option versus a shunt, and supports counseling about the likely outcome. Generally, older age and certain causes are associated with higher success, while very young infants and causes such as post-hemorrhagic or post-infectious hydrocephalus are associated with lower success. The score estimates probability for groups of similar patients and is a guide, not a guarantee for any individual; the final decision considers the whole picture. The ETVSS is a widely used aid to decision-making.
Why it matters
Understanding the ETVSS helps families see how the likely success of ETV is estimated — based on age, cause, and prior shunt — to guide the choice between ETV and a shunt, while recognizing it is a probability estimate, not a guarantee.
Common questions
What is the ETV Success Score?
A tool estimating the likelihood of ETV success.
What factors does it use?
Age, the cause of hydrocephalus, and any prior shunt.
Is it a guarantee?
No — it estimates probability for groups, not certainty for an individual.
Bottom line
The ETV Success Score estimates the likelihood of ETV success from age, cause, and prior shunt, guiding patient selection and counseling.
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