Treatment: Shunts
Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt
A ventriculoatrial shunt drains cerebrospinal fluid from a brain ventricle to the heart, used when the abdomen is not suitable.
In short: Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt
- It drains CSF from a ventricle to a chamber of the heart (the atrium).
- It is an alternative when the abdomen is not suitable.
- The bloodstream carries away the diverted fluid.
- It is used less commonly than the VP shunt.
What it is
A ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt is a type of CSF shunt that drains cerebrospinal fluid from a brain ventricle to the right atrium of the heart, where it enters the bloodstream. It is an alternative used when draining to the abdomen is not suitable.
Understanding Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt
In a VA shunt, the distal catheter is threaded through a vein into the right atrium of the heart, so the diverted CSF is carried away by the bloodstream. This route may be chosen when the abdomen is not a good option — for example, due to prior abdominal surgery, scarring, infection, or absorption problems. VA shunts are used less commonly than VP shunts and have their own considerations, including the need for the catheter length to be adjusted as a child grows and specific potential complications related to the heart and bloodstream. The choice between shunt types is individualized to the person's situation.
Why it matters
Understanding the VA shunt helps families see that there are alternative drainage sites when the abdomen is not suitable, and why the choice of where a shunt drains is individualized to the person's circumstances.
Common questions
Where does a VA shunt drain to?
The right atrium of the heart, into the bloodstream.
When is it used?
When the abdomen is not suitable.
Is it as common as a VP shunt?
No — it is used less commonly.
Bottom line
A ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt drains CSF from a ventricle to the heart, an alternative used when the abdomen is not suitable.
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