Investigating new surgical options for treating hydrocephalus in infants
Official title: Experimental Studies of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Choroid Plexus Cauterization in Hydrocephalus
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11162101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special surgery called endoscopic third ventriculostomy combined with choroid plexus cauterization can help treat hydrocephalus in babies, using young pigs to see how it affects brain growth and function, so we can better understand the benefits and risks for kids with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $587,728 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS130103-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with hydrocephalus who may require surgical intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hydrocephalus who are older than infants or those who have already undergone other surgical treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effectiveness of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) combined with choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) as a treatment for hydrocephalus, particularly in infants. The study aims to understand the physiological and developmental impacts of these procedures using a large animal model, specifically juvenile domestic pigs. By examining how these surgical techniques affect brain development and function, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with hydrocephalus. The findings may help clarify the risks and benefits of ETV-CPC, which is currently used despite limited understanding of its effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for infants suffering from hydrocephalus.
How similar studies have gone: While ETV has been used for some time, the combination with CPC is still being evaluated, indicating that this research is exploring a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcallister, James Patterson — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Mcallister, James Patterson
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Endoscopic treatment vs shunt for infant hydrocephalus
Infants with hydrocephalus may be treated with a shunt or a shunt-free procedure called ETV+CPC, and this study compares the two to see if the shunt-free option can keep cognitive outcomes similar.
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Modulating choroid plexus function to restore CSF balance in hydrocephalus
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.