ReFlow - Ventricular System
The ReFlow System helps patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders, such as hydrocephalus, that require draining or shunting the CSF. The ReFlow Flusher connects directly to the Ventricular Catheter. Both are implanted under the scalp and connected to a shunt regulating valve (not included). The ReFlow System works with valves (programmable and non-programmable) and abdominal catheters of any make or model.
Through engagement with hydrocephalus experts, the broader scientific community, as well as patients and families, Anuncia developed the ReFlow™ Ventricular System, designed to address one of the most common problems in shunt systems for treatment of hydrocephalus: a non-flowing shunt.
The ReFlow™ Flusher connects directly to the ReFlow™ Ventricular Catheter. Both are implanted under the scalp and connected to a flow regulating valve (not included). The ReFlow™ System works with programmable and non-programmable valves and abdominal catheters of most makes and models.
- After implanting a CSF shunt system, the ventricular catheter may become blocked, preventing fluid flow through the shunt system.
- Without surgery, a clinician presses the ReFlow™ flusher to send a calibrated and safe flush of fluid towards the ReFlow™ catheter.
- Blockages may be pushed out to open catheter flow holes and restore flow.
- If the catheter flow holes remain blocked, the ReFlow™ flush opens the ReFlow™ Catheter ‘relief membrane’ backup feature.
The ReFlow™ does not change standard of care practices for the diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up of patients with ventricular catheter occlusions.
Hydrocephalus requires better solutions to prevent readmissions and revision surgeries for shunt patency failures. The Anuncia ReFlow™ Ventricular System is designed to be used noninvasively as means to potentially restore shunt system flow due to a blocked ventricular catheter without emergency surgery and reduce the burden of repeat brain surgeries for these patients, their families, and the healthcare system.
This system represents a first step toward a new generation of CSF management devices with advanced technological features engineered to empower clinicians to help break the cycle of endless shunt malfunctions and emergency shunt revision surgeries.
We are expanding our technology platforms to further impact the treatment of hydrocephalus.
The ReFlow™ is implanted as part of a shunt system and offers a noninvasive way to attempt to restore or increase CSF flow in a non-flowing shunt:
- Once pressed by the clinician, the Flusher sends a pulse of fluid to attempt to push blockages out of the catheter flow holes.
- If the catheter flow holes remain blocked, the ReFlow™ flush will open the ReFlow™ Catheter ‘relief membrane’ backup feature
The ReFlow™ does not change standard of care practices for the diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up of patients with ventricular catheter occlusions. The ‘relief membrane’ backup feature may only be used once; after opening, it may become blocked, similar to catheter flow holes.
The Stats
- $35816: is the average cost of a shunt-related hospital admission.1
- Up to 40%: of all shunts fail within the first year of placement.2
- Up to 80%: of patients require revision within 12 years of shunt placement or revision.3
- $2,000,000,000: per year hospital charges for hydrocephalus in the US.4