The simplest and safest way to prevent/eliminate the shunt disconnection is the use of a single/one-piece ventriculoperitoneal shunt system 1)
Zahedi et al. demonstrate, for the first time, a correlation between shunt catheters that are less mechanically stiff and those that are less likely to disconnect from the valve when outstretched and are also less likely to tear when held at an angle from the valve outlet. The authors propose an intervention to the standard of care wherein less stiff catheters are trialed to reduce disconnection 2).
The use of an extended length peritoneal shunt catheter may prevent shunt disconnection 3).
If a connector must be used near the clavicle, place it rostral to (above) the clavicle. ✖ Avoid placing it caudal on the clavicle because this increases the risk of disconnection.
A haircut that includes the use of clippers at the occipital region causes a rapid increase in the shearing strain at the shunt connector site that may further stretch the shunt and induce shunt disconnection. Nurses and physicians must address the need to prevent shunt dislodgement caused by haircuts with clippers in young, rapidly growing, male patients who require shunts. A two- or one-piece shunt may prevent this complication 4).