HOME Brain Pressure Study

Patients with hydrocephalus have an abnormal build-up of fluid around the brain and need a tube surgically implanted to drain that fluid. Patients and their caregivers live with the constant fear that the tube will block. Warning symptoms include irritability, headaches and vomiting. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling when fluid build-up is causing a rise in brain pressure and potentially impeding blood flow to the brain (life threatening) except for a brain scan in hospital and possibly hospitalisation. We want to improve the lives of patients with hydrocephalus.

We have developed a tool for parents and caregivers of people with hydrocephalus to monitor the pressure in the brain remotely via a sensor placed alongside their shunt. We have shown the device is safe and gives reliable brain pressure readings using a large animal model (sheep). This study is a first-in-human safety study to show it is safe for patient use.

Our work with sheep has recently been in the media. Check out the following links to read the stories:

• Kiwi invention brings renewed hope for millions of hydrocephalus sufferers - Newshub
• Pioneering kiwi research for hydrocephalus patients - RNZ

This study involves a small pressure sensor being inserted into your brain, by your neurosurgeon, at the same time as your next shunt surgery. After the surgery, you will be asked to regularly record your brain pressure on an app, as well as any symptoms you may have. A phone will be provided to record your pressure measurements. The study period is for 3 months. It will require up to 7-10 minutes of your time each day.

• Participants with a condition requiring cerebral spinal fluid shunting who are undergoing initial shunt placement or shunt revision surgery.
  
  
• Adult: Age > 16 years  |  Paediatric: Age >1 and <16

A koha is provided to thank you for your time and you will be able to keep the phone at the end of the study.

If you would like to know more please see the attached information:

If you, or your child, have hydrocephalus and would like to know more about our brain pressure sensor and this study, we would love to hear from you.

Sarah-Jane Guild
Coordinating Investigator
Email: s.guild@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: 0212969030

Recruitment ends: 31 December 2025