Investigating new surgical options for treating hydrocephalus in infants

Experimental Studies of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Choroid Plexus Cauterization in Hydrocephalus

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11162101

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-11162101 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with hydrocephalus who may require surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with hydrocephalus who are older than infants or those who have already undergone other surgical treatments may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.