Shunt Valve Library

Shunts · Library

Every valve, every setting — in mmH₂O, cmH₂O and mmHg

Settings, tolerances, MRI rules, X-ray identification, adjustment tools and recalls for 31 valves and add-on devices — each value transcribed from the manufacturer's instructions for use, brochure or FDA record linked on the card.

Jump to: CERTAS Plus · Hakim Programmable (CHPV) · Strata II (with Delta chamber) · Strata NSC (no siphon control) · StrataMR II · Polaris (SPV) · Sophy Mini SM8 · Sophy SM3 · proGAV 2.0 · proGAV (1st generation) · M.blue · M.blue plus · proSA · Hakim Precision (fixed) · Delta valve · CSF-Flow Control (PS Medical) · Sophy Mini SM1 · GAV 2.0 · GAV (classic) · paediGAV · DualSwitch Valve (DSV) · miniNAV · Integra DP · Spitz-Holter · SHUNTASSISTANT 2.0 (SA 2.0) · SHUNTASSISTANT / paediSHUNTASSISTANT · SiphonX · SiphonGuard · Gravity Compensating Accessory · OSV II (flow-regulating) · M.flow

Conversions used: cmH₂O = mmH₂O ÷ 10 · mmHg = mmH₂O × 0.0736 (1 mmHg = 13.6 mmH₂O). Medtronic publishes ranges at 5 → 50 mL/h; the nominal value shown is the range midpoint (the value Medtronic's StrataVarius displays).

CERTAS Plus

Programmable MRI-resistant — still confirmConvert ↗

Codman CERTAS Plus Programmable Valve · Integra (Codman) · Current

Radiograph of a Codman CERTAS Plus Programmable Valve
X-ray: Vach M, Weiss D, Ivan VL, et al. Clin Neuroradiol 2025;35:347–354, Fig. 2 — CC BY 4.0; cropped.
More radiograph examples of a Codman CERTAS Plus Programmable Valve
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

8-setting programmable ball-in-cone valve; setting 8 is a flow-limiting 'virtual off' (≥400 mmH2O). Optional integrated SiphonGuard.

MechanismBall-in-cone differential-pressure valve; magnetically adjustable rotating construct.
Measured asAverage pressure across 5–50 mL/h (Integra performance chart), same in any gravitational orientation.
Tolerance±20 mmH2O (settings 1–3) · ±25 (setting 4) · ±35 (settings 5–7)
MRIResists unintended change at 3 T — Confirm the setting after MRI (Integra).
X-ray ID
  • Elongated valve; bright rectangular magnets on a central rotating construct.
  • Setting = the overlay sector holding the magnet that has the tantalum ball beside it; a right-hand-side (RHS) marker orients the film.
  • Read with the Integra X-ray overlay tool aligned to the valve centerline and connectors.
AdjustmentCERTAS Tool Kit (mechanical) or CERTAS Plus Electronic Tool Kit (not for the MR suite). Audible click per step; safety stop between settings 1 and 8. Keep tissue over the valve <10 mm.
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgTolerance
1252.51.8±20
2505.03.7±20
3808.05.9±20
411011.08.1±25
514514.510.7±35
618018.013.2±35
721521.515.8±35
8
Virtual off — flow-limiting, minimum 400 mmH2O
≥40040.029.4
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Made available after March 2015 (Integra).
  • Setting 8 is not 'closed' — it limits flow with a ≥400 mmH2O minimum.

Hakim Programmable (CHPV)

Programmable MRI may change the settingConvert ↗

Codman HAKIM Programmable Valve · Integra (Codman) · Current

Radiograph of a Codman HAKIM Programmable Valve
X-ray: Vach M, Weiss D, Ivan VL, et al. Clin Neuroradiol 2025;35:347–354, Fig. 2 — CC BY 4.0; cropped.
More radiograph examples of a Codman HAKIM Programmable Valve
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

18 settings from 30 to 200 mmH2O in 10 mmH2O steps; programmed with a codified magnetic signal that drives an internal stepper motor. Available with SiphonGuard.

MechanismSynthetic-ruby ball-in-cone; flat stainless spring on a stepper-motor cam (titanium chassis).
Measured asNominal setting = valve opening pressure. Integra's L-P IFU also reports the measured system pressure with a 120 cm peritoneal catheter at 20 mL/h (shown as 'with catheter').
Tolerance±14 mmH2O (settings 30–120) · ±19 (130–200), regardless of orientation; ~10 mmH2O per step
MRIUp to 3 T will not damage it but MAY CHANGE THE SETTING — Always confirm the setting after MRI (X-ray or programmer). Repeated 3 T exposure may demagnetize the rotor and reduce programmability.
X-ray ID
  • Small ring (cam) with an adjacent white dot — the radiopaque marker on the cam.
  • Read the marker position against the fixed right-hand-side marker; settings 70, 120 and 170 sit on the central cross.
  • Inverted valve: the white marker appears on the LEFT. Program 210 − desired (190/200 not reachable) after first setting 200.
AdjustmentCodman HAKIM programmer (82-3190R) or VPV System. Keep ≤1 cm tissue over the mechanism (programmer reaches ~2 cm). Programmer is MR Unsafe.
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgToleranceWith 120 cm catheter @20 mL/h
30303.02.2±1461
40404.02.9±1468
50505.03.7±1479
60606.04.4±1486
70707.05.1±1497
80808.05.9±14106
90909.06.6±14116
10010010.07.4±14124
11011011.08.1±14135
12012012.08.8±14144
13013013.09.6±19153
14014014.010.3±19162
15015015.011.0±19174
16016016.011.8±19184
17017017.012.5±19197
18018018.013.2±19208
19019019.014.0±19221
20020020.014.7±19229
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • While becoming familiar, change by no more than ±40 mmH2O per 24 h and monitor for 24 h (Integra IFU).
  • Magnets >80 gauss (speakers, household magnets) near the valve can change the setting.
  • X-ray the whole system after implantation, after every reprogramming, and after every MRI.

Strata II (with Delta chamber)

Programmable MRI may change the settingConvert ↗

Medtronic PS Medical Strata / Strata II Adjustable Pressure Valve · Medtronic (PS Medical) · Legacy (widely implanted)

Radiograph of a Medtronic PS Medical Strata / Strata II Adjustable Pressure Valve
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

5 performance levels (0.5–2.5). Adjustable ball-in-cone mechanism in series with the Delta chamber siphon-control device.

MechanismMagnetically adjustable valve mechanism + normally closed Delta chamber (opens to positive ventricular pressure, stays closed to negative distal pressure).
Measured asMedian pressure at 5 → 50 mL/h. Lying = 0 cmH2O hydrostatic; upright = −50 cmH2O hydrostatic (Medtronic charts). Nominal = midpoint of the range.
ToleranceNot stated on the Strata II chart (Strata NSC: ±15–25 mmH2O)
MRI3 T will not damage the valve but may change the setting — Check the performance level immediately after MRI (Medtronic).
X-ray ID
  • Bright, slightly irregular dense magnet inside a faint (mostly non-metallic) valve body.
  • Performance level can be confirmed by X-ray, though Medtronic designed the hand tools to verify without one.
AdjustmentStrata hand tools (locator, indicator, adjustment — 45805) or StrataVarius electronic system (45806, numeric mmH2O readout).
SettingLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgRange (mmH₂O)Upright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
PL 0.5202.01.515–2540 (30–50)2.9
PL 1.0454.53.335–5560 (50–70)4.4
PL 1.5808.05.970–9095 (85–105)7.0
PL 2.011511.58.5105–125130 (120–140)9.6
PL 2.514514.510.7135–155157 (147–167)11.5
⚠️ FDA Class 2 recall Z-1121-2017 (Strata II & Strata NSC, all catalog numbers; 1/17/2017–6/2/2017): reports of discrepancies between the set performance level and the X-ray reading; IFU warning updated.
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • StrataVarius shows a numeric value per level (e.g., PL 2.0 = 115 mmH2O, the chart midpoint).

Strata NSC (no siphon control)

Programmable MRI may change the settingConvert ↗

Medtronic PS Medical Strata NSC Adjustable Pressure Valve (incl. NSC LP) · Medtronic (PS Medical) · Legacy (widely implanted)

Radiograph of a Medtronic PS Medical Strata NSC Adjustable Pressure Valve (incl. NSC LP)
X-ray: Giancardo L, Arevalo O, Tenreiro A, Riascos R, Bonfante E. Sci Rep 2018;8:16052, Fig. 2 — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

Same adjustable mechanism as Strata without the Delta chamber — so the upper levels run much higher. Also the lumboperitoneal (NSC LP) valve.

MechanismMagnetically adjustable valve mechanism, no siphon control.
Measured asMedian pressure at 5 → 50 mL/h; nominal = midpoint.
TolerancePL 0.5: ±15 mmH2O (5 mL/h), ±25 (50 mL/h); PL 1.0–2.5: ±25 mmH2O
MRI3 T will not damage the valve but may change the setting — Check the performance level immediately after MRI.
X-ray ID
  • Dense magnet inside a faint valve body — radiographically similar to Strata II (the source dataset grouped them as 'Strata II – NSC').
AdjustmentStrata hand tools or StrataVarius; the NSC LP valve requires StrataVarius (45806) postoperatively.
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgRange (mmH₂O)
PL 0.5252.51.815–35
PL 1.0454.53.335–55
PL 1.510010.07.490–110
PL 2.015515.511.4145–165
PL 2.521021.015.4200–220
⚠️ FDA Class 2 recall Z-1121-2017 (see Strata II).
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Same 'PL' number ≠ same pressure across Strata models: PL 2.5 is ~145 mmH2O on Strata II but ~210 on Strata NSC.

StrataMR II

Programmable MRI-resistant — still confirmConvert ↗

Medtronic StrataMR II Adjustable Pressure Valve · Medtronic · Current

MRI-resistant successor to Strata: ball-and-cone valve in series with a normally closed siphon-control mechanism; 5 performance levels; regular and small sizes.

MechanismBall-and-cone pressure valve + siphon-control diaphragm; 'MRI resistance walls' — the mechanism must be lifted then turned to change level.
Measured asSingle labelled value per level on Medtronic's horizontal and vertical performance charts (10–50 mL/h).
ToleranceNot stated in the brochure
MRIDesigned to withstand unintended change up to 3.0 T — Medtronic still advises verifying the performance level after MRI. MR Conditional 1.5/3 T (max spatial gradient 1900 G/cm).
X-ray ID
  • An additional tantalum marker distinguishes StrataMR II from the first-generation StrataMR (FDA K212641).
AdjustmentStrataMR four-tool set (locator, guider, indicator, adjustment — 45909SMR); tools are not position-dependent.
SettingLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgUpright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
PL 0.5252.51.8372.7
PL 1.0454.53.3574.2
PL 1.5808.05.9926.8
PL 2.011511.58.51279.3
PL 2.514514.510.715711.5
⚠️ Predecessor StrataMR (2016): FDA Class 1 recall Z-1702-2017 (2/22/2017–9/19/2017) — locator-tool misalignment could set the rotor wrong → higher opening pressure and underdrainage.

Polaris (SPV)

Programmable MRI-resistant — still confirmConvert ↗

Sophysa Polaris Adjustable Pressure Valve · Sophysa · Current

Radiograph of a Sophysa Polaris Adjustable Pressure Valve
X-ray: Giancardo L, Arevalo O, Tenreiro A, Riascos R, Bonfante E. Sci Rep 2018;8:16052, Fig. 2 — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

5 positions in four pressure ranges; patented magnetic lock (two opposed micro-magnets) so a one-directional field cannot unlock the rotor. SX models come pre-attached to SiphonX.

MechanismRuby ball-in-cone loaded by a flat semicircular spring on a rotor; self-locking rotor.
Measured asCalibrated at 10 mL/h, valve alone (catheters add resistance). Standard SPV at 20 mL/h: 35 / 75 / 115 / 160 / 225.
Tolerance−10 / +15 mmH2O
MRIMRI-stable (magnetic lock); MR Conditional 1.5/3 T — Sophysa still recommends checking the setting before and after MRI; valve rotation during a 3 T exposure can change it.
X-ray ID
  • Two square magnets in a round, mostly radiolucent body; arrow-shaped connectors show flow direction.
  • Titanium studs on the right side mark the 5 rotor positions; radiopaque range dots left of the inlet: 0 = 10–140, 1 = 30–200, 2 = 50–300, 3 = 80–400.
AdjustmentPolaris Adjustment Kit (locator, compass, magnet) or Electronic Compass; clockwise raises, counter-clockwise lowers. The locator range must match the valve range.
SPV-140 / SPVA-140 (10–140) — 0 range dots
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1101.00.7
2404.02.9
3808.05.9
411011.08.1
514014.010.3
SPV / SPVA / SPVB standard (30–200) — 1 dot
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1303.02.2
2707.05.1
311011.08.1
415015.011.0
520020.014.7
SPV-300 / SPVA-300 (50–300) — 2 dots
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1505.03.7
210010.07.4
315015.011.0
422022.016.2
530030.022.1
SPV-400 / SPVA-400 (80–400) — 3 dots
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1808.05.9
215015.011.0
323023.016.9
433033.024.3
540040.029.4
SPV-SX — standard + pre-attached SiphonX (+200 upright)
PositionLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgUpright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
1303.02.223016.9
2707.05.127019.9
311011.08.131022.8
415015.011.035025.7
520020.014.740029.4
SPV-140-SX — 10–140 + pre-attached SiphonX (+200 upright)
PositionLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgUpright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
1101.00.721015.4
2404.02.924017.7
3808.05.928020.6
411011.08.131022.8
514014.010.334025.0

Sophy Mini SM8

Programmable MRI may change the settingConvert ↗

Sophysa Sophy Mini SM8 Adjustable Pressure Valve · Sophysa · Current

Radiograph of a Sophysa Sophy Mini SM8 Adjustable Pressure Valve
X-ray: Vach M, Weiss D, Ivan VL, et al. Clin Neuroradiol 2025;35:347–354, Fig. 2 — CC BY 4.0; cropped.
More radiograph examples of a Sophysa Sophy Mini SM8 Adjustable Pressure Valve
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

8 positions in four pressure ranges; transparent polysulfone body. No magnetic lock — the most MRI-sensitive current valve.

MechanismBall-in-cone; magnetic rotor drives a flat spring; two safety stops.
Measured asCalibrated at 10 mL/h, valve alone.
Tolerance−10 / +15 mmH2O
MRIMR Conditional 1.5/3 T but NO magnetic lock — high risk of accidental change — Check the setting before AND after every MRI (adjustment kit or X-ray).
X-ray ID
  • Two square magnets inside a faint round outline; arrow-shaped connectors.
  • Radiopaque dots read the 8 positions directly; range dots left of the inlet (0–3) identify the range.
AdjustmentSophy Mini Adjustment Kit (locator with range ring, compass, magnet).
SM8-140 (10–140) — 0 range dots
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1101.00.7
2252.51.8
3404.02.9
4606.04.4
5808.05.9
610010.07.4
712012.08.8
814014.010.3
SM8 standard (30–200) — 1 dot
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1303.02.2
2505.03.7
3707.05.1
4909.06.6
511011.08.1
614014.010.3
717017.012.5
820020.014.7
SM8-300 (50–300) — 2 dots
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1505.03.7
2757.55.5
310010.07.4
412512.59.2
515015.011.0
618018.013.2
722022.016.2
830030.022.1
SM8-400 (80–400) — 3 dots
PositionmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1808.05.9
212012.08.8
315015.011.0
419019.014.0
523023.016.9
627027.019.9
733033.024.3
840040.029.4
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • SM8-140 and SM8 can be paired with SiphonX (+200 mmH2O upright).

Sophy SM3

Programmable MRI may change the settingConvert ↗

Sophysa Sophy SM3 Adjustable Valve · Sophysa · Legacy

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.

Three-position Sophy valve.

MechanismBall-in-cone; magnetic rotor on a flat spring.
Measured asCalibrated at 10 mL/h.
Tolerance−10 / +15 mmH2O
MRINo magnetic lock — Check the setting before and after MRI.
X-ray ID
  • Studs on the right side mark the 3 rotor positions (Sophysa IFU).
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
1505.03.7
211011.08.1
317017.012.5

proGAV 2.0

Programmable MRI: no setting changeConvert ↗

Miethke proGAV 2.0 (B. Braun / Aesculap) · Miethke · Current

Radiograph of a Miethke proGAV 2.0 (B. Braun / Aesculap)
X-ray: Vach M, Weiss D, Ivan VL, et al. Clin Neuroradiol 2025;35:347–354, Fig. 2 — CC BY 4.0; cropped.
More radiograph examples of a Miethke proGAV 2.0 (B. Braun / Aesculap)
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

Adjustable differential-pressure unit (0–20 cmH2O) with an optional integrated SHUNTASSISTANT 2.0 gravitational unit (10–35 cmH2O). Lying = DP setting; upright = DP + gravitational unit.

MechanismTitanium; ball-cone DP unit with bow spring on a braked rotor + tantalum-ball gravitational unit.
RangeDP 0–20 cmH2O in 1-cmH2O steps (factory preset 5) · gravitational unit none / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 cmH2O
Measured asOpening pressures in cmH2O; gravitational-unit values referenced to 5 mL/h (~1–2 cmH2O higher at 20 mL/h).
ToleranceNot stated in the IFU excerpt
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T — no setting change — Miethke: verification after MRI is not required.
X-ray ID
  • Round titanium valve; four rotor magnets show as white dots in opposite pairs.
  • Two black burr holes mark the rotor's rear; the gap between the two front magnets (triangle apex) points to the setting.
  • A side recess marks orientation so the scale is not read mirror-image; the gravitational unit carries a coded pressure marking.
AdjustmentproGAV 2.0 Compass (locate/read), Adjustment Tool, Checkmate, or M.blue plus instruments. Light pressure releases the rotor brake (click).
Adjustable DP unit — adjustable
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
000.0
1100.7
2201.5
3302.2
4402.9
5503.7
6604.4
7705.1
8805.9
9906.6
101007.4
111108.1
121208.8
131309.6
1414010.3
1515011.0
1616011.8
1717012.5
1818013.2
1919014.0
2020014.7
Gravitational unit (fixed at implant; 0 = none) — fixed at implant
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
0 (none)00.0
101007.4
1515011.0
2020014.7
2525018.4
3030022.1
3535025.7

Opening pressure: lying = DP unit · upright = DP unit + gravitational unit. Use the converter for any combination.

Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Change by ≤8 cmH2O per adjustment step — the rotor takes the short way (3 → 18 must go 3 → 11 → 18).
  • Implant the gravitational unit parallel to the body axis (retroauricular is fine; height doesn't matter).
  • Vibration (e.g., jogging) can transiently lower opening pressure by 25–35% (lab data).

proGAV (1st generation)

Programmable MRI: no setting changeConvert ↗

Miethke proGAV · Miethke · Legacy (superseded by proGAV 2.0)

Radiograph of a Miethke proGAV
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

The first adjustable gravitational valve: adjustable DP unit 0–20 cmH2O with an optional integrated SHUNTASSISTANT.

MechanismTitanium ball-cone DP unit on an adjustable rotor + tantalum-ball gravitational unit.
RangeDP 0–20 cmH2O · gravitational unit none / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 cmH2O (20 and 25 are the standard levels)
Measured asOpening pressures in cmH2O.
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T — no setting change — Miethke: verification after MRI is not required.
X-ray ID
  • Round titanium valve with a central rotor; the rotor position is read against the scale (0–20 cmH2O).
AdjustmentproGAV Verification Tool, Adjustment Tool, Checkmate.
Adjustable DP unit — adjustable
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
000.0
1100.7
2201.5
3302.2
4402.9
5503.7
6604.4
7705.1
8805.9
9906.6
101007.4
111108.1
121208.8
131309.6
1414010.3
1515011.0
1616011.8
1717012.5
1818013.2
1919014.0
2020014.7
Gravitational unit (fixed at implant; 0 = none) — fixed at implant
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
0 (none)00.0
101007.4
1515011.0
2020014.7
2525018.4
3030022.1
3535025.7

Opening pressure: lying = DP unit · upright = DP unit + gravitational unit. Use the converter for any combination.

Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Miethke starting levels: DP 5 cmH2O (NPH standard); gravitational unit 20 (children ≤5 y, adults >60 y) or 25 (children >5 y, adults ≤60 y); −5 if <1.60 m, +5 if >1.80 m; bedridden → no gravitational unit.

M.blue

Programmable MRI: no setting changeConvert ↗

Miethke M.blue Adjustable Gravitational Valve (B. Braun / Aesculap) · Miethke · Current

One titanium valve combining a FIXED differential-pressure unit (0, 5, 10 or 15 cmH2O) with an ADJUSTABLE gravitational unit (0–40 cmH2O). Lying = DP unit; upright = DP + gravitational setting. It is an integrated valve, not an add-on.

MechanismFixed ball-cone DP unit + adjustable gravitational unit (tantalum weight, sapphire ball, braked rotor); Active-Lock against everyday magnets.
RangeFixed DP unit 0 / 5 / 10 / 15 cmH2O (FX800T–FX803T) · gravitational unit continuously adjustable 0–40 cmH2O
Measured asOpening pressures in cmH2O; intermediate body angles give graded values.
ToleranceNot stated in the brochure
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T — no setting change; Active-Lock — Miethke: no X-ray verification after MRI needed.
X-ray ID
  • Round titanium valve; gravitational coding holes every 4 cmH2O (0–40) around the rim, with a triangular tip pointing at the set value and a non-adjustable sector between 40 and 0.
  • Coding burr holes at the outlet give the DP unit: none = 0, one = 5, two = 10, three = 15 cmH2O.
AdjustmentM.blue plus instruments: compass with floater (locate + read), adjustment ring (light pressure releases the rotor brake).
Fixed DP unit (chosen at implant) — fixed at implant
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
000.0
5503.7
101007.4
1515011.0
Adjustable gravitational unit — adjustable
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
000.0
4402.9
8805.9
121208.8
1616011.8
2020014.7
2424017.7
2828020.6
3232023.5
3636026.5
4040029.4

Continuously adjustable; every 4 cmH₂O shown (the dial's marked increments).

Opening pressure: lying = DP unit · upright = DP unit + gravitational unit. Use the converter for any combination.

Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Miethke starting levels (DP 5 for all; upright total in brackets): <5 y grav 20 (25); ≥5 y 25 (30); adults 25 (30) [<1.60 m 20 (25); >1.80 m 30 (35)]; adults >65 y 20 (25) [<1.60 m 15 (20); >1.80 m 25 (30)]. Lower the gravitational unit for low mobility or high BMI.

M.blue plus

Programmable MRI: no setting changeConvert ↗

Miethke M.blue plus (M.blue + proGAV 2.0 adjustable DP unit) · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke M.blue brochure ↗

Both units adjustable: proGAV 2.0 DP unit (0–20 cmH2O) + M.blue gravitational unit (0–40 cmH2O).

MechanismAdjustable ball-cone DP unit + adjustable gravitational unit, both braked rotors.
RangeDP 0–20 cmH2O + gravitational 0–40 cmH2O (FX804T)
Measured asOpening pressures in cmH2O.
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T — no setting change — Miethke: no verification after MRI needed.
X-ray ID
  • Two round titanium units in series: the proGAV 2.0-type DP rotor and the M.blue gravitational dial.
AdjustmentM.blue plus instruments adjust both units.
Adjustable DP unit — adjustable
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
000.0
1100.7
2201.5
3302.2
4402.9
5503.7
6604.4
7705.1
8805.9
9906.6
101007.4
111108.1
121208.8
131309.6
1414010.3
1515011.0
1616011.8
1717012.5
1818013.2
1919014.0
2020014.7
Adjustable gravitational unit — adjustable
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
000.0
4402.9
8805.9
121208.8
1616011.8
2020014.7
2424017.7
2828020.6
3232023.5
3636026.5
4040029.4

Continuously adjustable; every 4 cmH₂O shown (the dial's marked increments).

Opening pressure: lying = DP unit · upright = DP unit + gravitational unit. Use the converter for any combination.

proSA

Add-on device MRI: no setting change

Miethke proSA — programmable SHUNTASSISTANT · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke proSA IFU ↗

Add-on ADJUSTABLE gravitational unit (0–40 cmH2O) implanted in series below a differential-pressure valve. Open when lying; adds its setting when upright.

MechanismTantalum weight + sapphire ball; bow-spring pretension set by a braked rotor.
Range0–40 cmH2O (preset 20); Miethke recommends pairing with a 5 cmH2O DP unit
Measured ascmH2O.
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T — no setting change — Miethke: verification after MRI is not required.
X-ray ID
  • The rotor tip indicates the setting; a cut-out in the casing ring marks orientation.
AdjustmentproSA Verification Tool + Adjustment Tool / Checkmate (masterdisc to check the tool).
Adjustable gravitational unit — adjustable
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
000.0
4402.9
8805.9
121208.8
1616011.8
2020014.7
2424017.7
2828020.6
3232023.5
3636026.5
4040029.4

Continuously adjustable; every 4 cmH₂O shown (the dial's marked increments).

Hakim Precision (fixed)

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Codman HAKIM Precision Fixed Pressure Valve · Integra (Codman) · Current

Radiograph of a Codman HAKIM Precision Fixed Pressure Valve
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

Fixed ball-in-cone valve in five pressure ranges; cylindrical, in-line, right-angle and micro housings; optional SiphonGuard, Rickham reservoir, Bactiseal catheters.

MechanismRuby ball-in-cone with fixed spring.
Measured asOperating pressure printed on the FDA device label.
Tolerance±10 mmH2O
MRIFixed valve — no setting to change — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Small metallic ball-in-cone housing; no adjustable cam or rotor.
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgTolerance
Very Low101.00.7±10
Low404.02.9±10
Medium Low707.05.1±10
Medium High10010.07.4±10
High13013.09.6±10
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Some newer labels read only 'Medium Range' without a number — check the package label or implant record.

Delta valve

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Medtronic PS Medical Delta Valve · Medtronic (PS Medical) · Current

Radiograph of a Medtronic PS Medical Delta Valve
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

Fixed performance-level membrane valve with an integral Delta chamber; regular, small and neonatal sizes. Non-metallic.

MechanismMembrane valve (polypropylene + silicone) + normally closed Delta chamber ('hydrodynamic leverage').
Measured asMedian pressure at 5 → 50 mL/h; lying = 0, upright = −50 cmH2O hydrostatic. Nominal = midpoint.
ToleranceNot stated
MRINon-metallic — no MRI/CT interference — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Valve body is essentially radiolucent — look for the radiopaque arrow/dot code: PL 0.5 = bar + arrow, 1.0 = single arrow, 1.5 = dot + arrow, 2.0 = double arrow.
SettingLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgRange (mmH₂O)Upright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
PL 0.5202.01.515–2540 (30–50)2.9
PL 1.0454.53.335–5560 (50–70)4.4
PL 1.5808.05.970–9095 (85–105)7.0
PL 2.011511.58.5105–125130 (120–140)9.6

CSF-Flow Control (PS Medical)

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Medtronic PS Medical CSF-Flow Control Valves (contoured, burr hole, ultra small) · Medtronic (PS Medical) · Current

Classic fixed differential-pressure membrane valves in four ranges, identified by a dot code.

MechanismMembrane valve (polypropylene + silicone); non-metallic.
Measured asMedian pressure at 5 → 50 mL/h; nominal = midpoint.
ToleranceNot stated
MRINon-metallic — no MRI/CT interference — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Radiolucent body; radiopaque dot code: Low-Low none, Low 1 dot, Medium 2 dots, High 3 dots.
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgRange (mmH₂O)
Low-Low202.01.510–30
Low37.53.82.830–45
Medium959.57.085–105
High157.515.811.6145–170

Sophy Mini SM1

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Sophysa Sophy Mini SM1 Monopressure Valve · Sophysa · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Sophysa SM1 brochure ↗

Low-profile fixed ball-in-cone valve in three pressures; A = antechamber, B = burr-hole reservoir.

MechanismBall-in-cone, fixed.
Measured asSophysa labelled pressure.
ToleranceNot stated in the brochure
MRIMonopressure — no setting to change (artifact ~9–12 mm) — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Small low-profile valve; much smaller artifact than the adjustable Sophysa valves.
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
L (Low)505.03.7
M (Medium)11011.08.1
H (High)17017.012.5

GAV 2.0

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Miethke GAV 2.0 Gravitational Assisted Valve · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke GAV 2.0 IFU ↗

Fixed ball-cone DP unit + fixed gravitational unit in one titanium valve; six lying/upright combinations.

MechanismBall-cone (spring) unit + tantalum-ball gravitational unit.
Measured ascmH2O.
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Titanium valve; pressure-level coding visible on X-ray.
SettingLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgUpright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
5 / 20505.03.720014.7
5 / 25505.03.725018.4
5 / 30505.03.730022.1
5 / 35505.03.735025.7
10 / 2510010.07.425018.4
10 / 3010010.07.430022.1

GAV (classic)

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Miethke GAV Gravitational Assisted Valve · Miethke · Legacy

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke GAV IFU ↗

Original gravitational assisted valve; six lying/upright combinations measured at 5 mL/h.

MechanismBall-cone unit + tantalum-ball gravitational unit (titanium).
Measured asPressure drop at 5 mL/h (cmH2O).
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Titanium valve with an X-ray pressure code (e.g., the IFU's example image is the 10/40 cmH2O model).
SettingLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgUpright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
5 / 30505.03.730022.1
5 / 35505.03.735025.7
5 / 40505.03.740029.4
10 / 3010010.07.430022.1
10 / 4010010.07.440029.4
10 / 5010010.07.450036.8
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Choose the upright pressure from the height difference between the third ventricle and the diaphragm (Miethke).

paediGAV

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Miethke paediGAV · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke paediGAV IFU ↗

Pediatric gravitational assisted valve; six lying/upright combinations (coding rings).

MechanismBall-cone (spiral spring) unit + gravitational unit.
Measured ascmH2O.
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Coding rings identify the pressure combination.
SettingLying mmH₂OcmH₂OmmHgUpright mmH₂OUpright mmHg
4 / 14404.02.914010.3
4 / 19404.02.919014.0
4 / 24404.02.924017.7
9 / 19909.06.619014.0
9 / 24909.06.624017.7
9 / 29909.06.629021.3
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Miethke recommendations: <6 months 4/24; 6 months–5 years 9/24; >5 years 9/29 cmH2O.

DualSwitch Valve (DSV)

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Miethke DUALSWITCH VALVE · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke DSV IFU ↗

Two parallel chambers — a low-pressure chamber active lying and a high-pressure chamber active upright — switched by a tantalum ball.

MechanismTitanium; two spring-loaded discs on silicone membranes; tantalum-ball switch.
RangeLying 5 / 10 (standard) / 13 / 16 cmH2O · upright 30 / 40 / 50 cmH2O
Measured asHorizontal ratings at 20 mL/h (cmH2O).
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Low-pressure code sits next to the ball switch (white dot); the high-pressure code is farther from it.
Low-pressure (lying) chamber — fixed at implant
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
5503.7
101007.4
131309.6
1616011.8
High-pressure (upright) chamber — fixed at implant
cmH₂OmmH₂OmmHg
3030022.1
4040029.4
5050036.8

Opening pressure: lying = low-pressure chamber · upright = high-pressure chamber.

Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Pick the high side just above (Monro-to-diaphragm distance − 5 cm) so standing IVP stays −5 to +5 cmH2O (Miethke).

miniNAV

Fixed No setting to changeConvert ↗

Miethke miniNAV · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke miniNAV brochure ↗

Smallest Miethke differential-pressure valve (premature/newborn infants, bedridden patients); combine with a SHUNTASSISTANT/proSA for active patients.

MechanismBall + spring in a slim titanium shell.
Measured ascmH2O.
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Pressure coded by the valve-end shapes (e.g., concave proximal + convex distal = 5 cmH2O).
SettingmmH₂OcmH₂OmmHg
000.00.0
5505.03.7
1010010.07.4
1515015.011.0

Integra DP

Fixed No setting to change

Integra DP Valve System · Integra · Legacy (many SKUs no longer in US distribution)

Radiograph of a Integra DP Valve System
X-ray: Rhomberg T, Trivik-Barrientos F, Hakim A, Raabe A, Murek M. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B — CC BY 4.0; tiles cropped and joined.

Fixed differential-pressure valve with two ruby ball-in-cone mechanisms in series (stainless steel housings); colour-coded pressure ranges; the very-low (blue band) model is for hygroma / extraventricular drainage.

MechanismTwo ball-in-cone mechanisms in series.
MRIFixed valve — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Two small metallic in-line housings (the paired ball-in-cone mechanisms).
ConverterNot convertible — No publicly accessible manufacturer document gives the numeric pressure for each colour band — check the implant record / package label.

Spitz-Holter

Fixed No setting to change

Spitz-Holter valve (historic, 1956) · Holter (later Integra) · Historic

Radiograph of a Spitz-Holter valve (historic, 1956)
X-ray: Rhomberg T, et al. Acta Neurochir 2024;166:69, Fig. 1B row (j) — CC BY 4.0; cropped. The source caption labels row (j) "Codman Certas Plus", duplicating row (a); the study's 10 classes include the Integra Spitz-Holter, which this cylindrical in-line valve matches.

Historic in-line slit valve still seen on films of long-shunted patients.

MechanismSilicone slit valves in a cylindrical housing with metal end fittings.
MRIFixed valve — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Cylindrical in-line valve with metal end segments, often just below a burr-hole reservoir ring.
ConverterNot convertible — Historic device; no current manufacturer pressure documentation.

SHUNTASSISTANT 2.0 (SA 2.0)

Add-on device No setting to change

Miethke SHUNTASSISTANT 2.0 · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke SA 2.0 IFU ↗

Add-on FIXED gravitational unit implanted in series with any conventional or adjustable DP valve. Open lying; adds its rating upright.

MechanismTitanium housing, heavy tantalum ball over a sapphire locking ball.
Measured asReferenced to 5 mL/h (~1–2 cmH2O higher at 20 mL/h).
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Small titanium cylinder; pressure level coded on X-ray.
SettingAdds uprightmmHg
10+100 mmH₂O (10.0 cmH₂O)+7.4
15+150 mmH₂O (15.0 cmH₂O)+11.0
20+200 mmH₂O (20.0 cmH₂O)+14.7
25+250 mmH₂O (25.0 cmH₂O)+18.4
30+300 mmH₂O (30.0 cmH₂O)+22.1
35+350 mmH₂O (35.0 cmH₂O)+25.7
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Implant parallel to the body axis: chest wall in adults, behind the ear in children; abdomen/back for LP shunts.

SHUNTASSISTANT / paediSHUNTASSISTANT

Add-on device No setting to change

Miethke SHUNTASSISTANT (original) and paediSHUNTASSISTANT · Miethke · Legacy

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Miethke SHUNTASSISTANT IFU ↗

Original add-on gravitational unit (15–35 cmH2O) and the smaller pediatric version (10 cmH2O).

MechanismTitanium casing, weight ball, sealing ball.
Measured asReferenced to 5 mL/h (~1–2 cmH2O higher at 20 mL/h).
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Ring-coded titanium cylinder; on a supine film the tantalum ball sits a little farther from its seat than on a standing film.
SettingAdds uprightmmHg
paediSA 10+100 mmH₂O (10.0 cmH₂O)+7.4
15+150 mmH₂O (15.0 cmH₂O)+11.0
20+200 mmH₂O (20.0 cmH₂O)+14.7
25+250 mmH₂O (25.0 cmH₂O)+18.4
30+300 mmH₂O (30.0 cmH₂O)+22.1
35+350 mmH₂O (35.0 cmH₂O)+25.7
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Miethke sizing method: (DP valve + SA) ≈ (diaphragm → foramen of Monro distance) − 5 cm. Example: 42 cm, DP 13 → choose SA 25 → standing IVP ≈ −4 cmH2O.

SiphonX

Add-on device No setting to change

Sophysa SiphonX gravitational anti-siphon device (SX-200) · Sophysa · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.
See Sophysa SiphonX brochure ↗

Add-on gravitational anti-siphon device placed downstream of a valve: +200 mmH2O fully upright, 0 lying, angle-dependent in between; not affected by implant height.

MechanismBall-in-cone; tantalum weight ball presses on a ruby ball.
Measured asSame curve for 5–50 mL/h.
ToleranceNot stated
MRIMR Conditional with Polaris/Sophy systems; fixed — No setting check needed.
X-ray ID
  • Small in-line device distal to the valve (pre-attached on Polaris -SX models).
SettingAdds uprightmmHg
SX-200+200 mmH₂O (20.0 cmH₂O)+14.7

SiphonGuard

Add-on device No setting to change

Codman SIPHONGUARD Anti-Siphon Device · Integra (Codman) · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.

FLOW-activated (not posture-activated) anti-siphon device integrated into some Hakim, Hakim Precision and CERTAS Plus valves.

MechanismDual pathway: a surge in flow closes the central ruby ball-and-cone, forcing all CSF through a long spiral secondary path (resistance 1 cmH2O per mL/h); it reopens when flow falls and never fully stops.
MRINo setting
X-ray ID
  • Rigid in-line chamber distal to the valve mechanism.
ConverterNot convertible — Adds flow-dependent resistance, not a fixed upright pressure. Does not activate at low CSF flow.
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • Prime slowly (~0.5 mL/min) — fast priming can trigger the closed (secondary-path) state.
  • Any orientation and body location distal to the valve mechanism is allowed.

Gravity Compensating Accessory

Add-on device No setting to change

Integra Gravity Compensating Accessory (GCA) · Integra · Legacy

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.

Posture-activated add-on placed anywhere along the distal tubing: a ruby ball held on its seat (when vertical) by two to four stainless steel balls; each ball adds resistance upright, minimal resistance lying.

MechanismStainless steel housing in silicone; 2–4 steel balls load a ruby ball.
MRINo setting
X-ray ID
  • Small cylinder on the distal tubing containing a column of 2–4 metal balls.
ConverterNot convertible — The FDA summary gives the mechanism but not the added pressure per ball count.

OSV II (flow-regulating)

Flow-regulated No setting to change

Integra OSV II Valve System (and Flow Regulating Valve Low Flow) · Integra · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.

Flow-regulating valve designed to drain close to CSF secretion (18–30 mL/h) rather than at a set opening pressure.

MechanismVariable-resistance pin-and-seat flow regulator; three stages; mechanism has no metal.
Measured asStage I: opens at ~5 mL/h (ΔP 30–80 mmH2O), stays in stage I to 18 mL/h (ΔP 40–120). Stage II: holds 18–30 mL/h over ΔP 120–300. Stage III: pressure-relief mode for abrupt ICP rise.
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T (max gradient 3500 G/cm); flow characteristics unaffected — No setting.
X-ray ID
  • Low Flow model has a black radiopaque flow-direction arrow that distinguishes it from OSV II.
ConverterNot convertible — Regulates flow, not opening pressure — no setting maps to a single pressure.
Practical points from the manufacturer
  • OSV II for drainage ≈ CSF secretion (18–30 mL/h); Low Flow model for 8–17 mL/h.

M.flow

Flow-regulated MRI: no setting change

Miethke M.flow adjustable flow-reducing unit · Miethke · Current

No openly licensed radiograph available yet.

Adjustable FLOW-RESISTANCE unit with a full shunt switch-off range, used together with M.blue.

MechanismRotor aperture sets the effective length of a circular flow channel (= resistance); a channel interruption gives 'shunt off'.
MRIMR Conditional ≤3 T — no setting change — Miethke: verification after MRI is not required.
X-ray ID
  • Titanium unit with a rotor; combined with an M.blue.
ConverterNot convertible — Sets flow resistance, not an opening pressure.