Miethke Shunt Systems

Be Active with Gravitational Shunt Valves 

MIETHKE gravitational valves actively vary their opening pressure to compensate for changing body positions, whether sleeping, sitting, standing, walking or playing. They provide physiological drainage, helping to reduce discomfort so patients can participate in the activities they enjoy most, longer.  

It is all about Physics 

Gravity affects the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the shunt catheter, causing the shunt to drain more CSF when the patient is standing and to drain less CSF when the patient is lying flat. Draining too much or too little CSF can cause discomfort, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and in extreme cases of over-drainage, subdural hematomas. To compensate, the opening pressure of the shunt valve should be higher when the patient is standing and lower when the patient is lying flat. 

MIETHKE Shunts 

M.blue™ Valve

ONE valve for the special requirements of a life with hydrocephalus: mobility, growth and changes in the course of the condition. 

Unique, uncompromising pressure adaptation to optimize individual patient needs

MR Conditional up to 3 Tesla – no X-ray verification after MRI necessary and no additional radiation exposure for the patient 

Protects from unintentional adjustment by everyday magnets such as smartphones, toys, hearing devices, induction cookers and airport safety barriers 

proGAV® 2.0  Valve 

The next generation of adjustable gravitational valves

“Active Lock” mechanism provides security against inadvertent readjustment caused by magnetic field emissions ^1,2 (i.e. MRI*, household appliances, hearing devices, headphones, toys) 

Biocompatible titanium housing allows for low profile design for improved aesthetics and easy implantation 

0–20 cm H20 pressure settings allow for a custom approach and a wide range of treatment options for individual patient needs 

*3 Tesla or less 

SHUNTASSISTANT® 2.0  Valve 

The gravitational assistant for all age groups. 

Gravitational technology gradually adapts the opening pressure automatically and counteracts possible overdrainage 

Can be combined with a differential pressure valve (fixed or adjustable) as an initial solution or as a secondary add on device for patients with existing complications 

GAV® 2.0  Valve 

The next generation of gravity assisted valve system 

Combination of a differential pressure and a gravitational unit to provide automatic opening pressure adjustment to a patient's body position and counteracts complications due to overdrainage 

Slender cylindrical design for improved aesthetic and easy implantation, suitable for adults as well as pediatric patients

1  Pierson MJ, Wehrmann D, Albers JA, El Tecle NE, Costa D, Elbabaa SK. Programmable shunt valve interactions with osseointegrated hearing devices. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2017 Apr; 19:384-390.

2  Spader HS, Ratanaprasatporn L, Morrison JF, Grossberg JA, Cosgrove GR.  Programmable shunts and headphones:  Are they safe together? J Neurosurg Pediatr, 2015 Oct; 16:402-405