The term shunt tap refers to puncture of a shunt system with a thin cannula. The puncture is usually performed directly at the implanted shunt reservoir.
Indication
A shunt tap can be used to obtain cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose an infection. In addition, a shunt tap can be used to test the function of the proximal ventricular catheter. A shunt tap also provides an opportunity to measure intracranial pressure or, in an emergency, to drain cerebrospinal fluid in cases of elevated pressure.
Complications
The indication for a shunt tap should be established very carefully, as there is a high risk of introducing an infection into the shunt system through the puncture.
Imaging
