Tumor filter

Used to prevent peritoneal or vascular seeding in tumors that may metastasize through CSF (e.g. medulloblastoma, 1) PNETs, ependymoma); may eventually become occluded by tumor cells and need replacement; may be able to radiate tumor filter to “sterilize” it. Not often used despite the fact that the risk of “shunt mets” appears to be low 2).

1)
Kessler LA, Dugan P, Concannon JP. Systemic Meta- stases of Medulloblastoma Promoted by Shunting. Surg Neurol. 1975; 3:147–152
2)
Berger MS, Baumeister B, Geyer JR, Milstein J, et al. The Risks of Metastases from Shunting in Children with Primary Central Nervous System Tumors. J Neurosurg. 1991; 74:872–877