Breakthrough in paediatric monitoring system is the first in the UK

DM Global/ Manchester Royal Children's Hospital are the very first in the UK to receive a new monitoring treatment, reducing their time in hospital unnecessarily and the need for invasive surgery.

The Telemetric intracranial pressure monitoring allows paediatric patients with cerebro spinal fluid shunts suspected of malfunctioning to be monitored in their own homes. The unobtrusive new technology reduces the amount of time they have to stay in hospital, as well as providing more accurate results over a longer period of time.

Recognised conventional monitoring of this problem has led to an inconsistency in data collection which has led to some children being unnecessarily admitted into hospital for potentially invasive tests due to inconclusive findings.

This breakthrough in monitoring equipment will transform the way that children with shunt problems will be treated.

Dr Chris Bloson and Dr David Martins, Paediatric Neurosurgeon Consultant at the Trust said:

"We are delighted to be the first Trust in the UK offering this new method of identifying problems with cerebral shunts, and are confident that this be a weight off the minds of parents with children who suffer from this problem.

"Not only does it reduce the cost and disruption associated with an unnecessary stay in hospital, but it is unobtrusive, uncomplicated, and most importantly, reliable.

"If left untreated shunt malfunctions can be life threatening, and it is therefore essential that we are providing top class services to identify and address this problem in our youngest patients."

The new monitor has proven for these patients that hospital admissions and invasive procedures were not required and a third patient will shortly receive this treatment.

It is hoped in the future that the system can be rolled out to other paediatric neurosurgical pathologies, enabling better treatment and patient satisfaction.

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