Question 1

what is a shunt?

Accepted Answer

Shunt: A shunt is a structure or device that transfers body fluid or blood from one area of the body to another area.  For example shunts are fashioned to relieve high pressure areas of cerebro spinal fluid by shunting the fluid away to low pressure areas.

Question 2

how long do v-p shunts last?

Accepted Answer

Many years: Shunts placed in an infant usually must be revised at some point before adulthood.  In adults, the shunt can last for many years, but may require revision at some point;.

Question 3

why does right to left shunting happen?

Accepted Answer

A hole in the heart: It is literally a hole in the heart. Normally the right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs to get the oxygen where as the left side of the heart pumps blood to the body. A right to left shunt can cause some of the blood to bypass the lungs and not carry as much oxygen as it should.

Question 4

how often does a shunt have to be replaced ?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on the growth of the child, if the shunt gets plugged or infected.

Question 5

how likely are you to die from a shunt revision?

Accepted Answer

Not answerable as is: Sorry, there are several different types of shunt for numerous disorders. It depends on the type of shunt you are talking about - vascular, brain, congenital cardiac, etc.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: shunt?

Accepted Answer

Conduit: Device that allows the flow of usually a fluid between two places. Sometimes a shunt may be used during carotid endarterectomy surgery to maintain the blood flow to the brain while the carotid artery is opened and cleaned.

Question 7

why do i have to lay on my side during a shunt tap?

Accepted Answer

Shunt tap.: It is easier to tap the shunt if you are lying on the side opposite the shunt.

Question 8

how serious is a left to right shunt and what will it take to repair it?

Accepted Answer

Depends: On the size and degree of shunting as well as the presence osf associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, arrythmias or neurologic symptoms. An echocardiogram is extremely helpful . See your doctor.

Question 9

if i have another shunt malfunction would i have the same symptoms as i did before?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: If you are having symptoms similar to those you had last time you had shunt malfunction, yes you could be having another one and should see your doctor

Question 10

which is worse left to right shunt or right to left? can the shunting get better?

Accepted Answer

Shunts: Generally speaking, right to left shunts are always worse since the circulated blood from the right side of the heart is venous and thus low in oxygen content.  If venous blood bypasses the lungs and is deposited straight into the left side of the heart, then this blood with low oxygen content is being dumped straight into the arterial circulation, which is supposed to supply the rest of organs.

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What is a shunt?

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How long do v-p shunts last?

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Why does right to left shunting happen?

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How often does a shunt have to be replaced ?

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How likely are you to die from a shunt revision?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: shunt?

A member asked:

Why do i have to lay on my side during a shunt tap?

A member asked:

How serious is a left to right shunt and what will it take to repair it?

A member asked:

If i have another shunt malfunction would i have the same symptoms as i did before?

A member asked:

Which is worse left to right shunt or right to left? can the shunting get better?

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