Providence, RI — Rhode Island Hospital has treated its first patient as part of a pioneering clinical trial evaluating a new, minimally invasive device—the eShunt® System—designed to treat Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
NPH is a neurological condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. This buildup can cause the ventricles to enlarge and press on nearby brain tissue, leading to symptoms such as difficulty with balance, urinary incontinence, and cognitive decline.
While traditional shunt systems have been used for decades to manage NPH, they require open brain surgery. In contrast, the eShunt System is implanted through a minimally invasive endovascular procedure.
“This new approach involves only a small incision in the groin and uses a catheter placed in the brain to redirect excess CSF to a vein. It is designed to mimic the body’s natural CSF drainage system and can be placed with significantly less trauma than traditional brain surgery,” said Maria Guglielmo, MD, neurosurgeon at Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute at Rhode Island Hospital.
NPH primarily affects adults over the age of 60. It is estimated that around 800,000 people in the U.S. are living with the condition—though the number may be significantly higher, as its symptoms often resemble those of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or general aging, making it difficult to diagnose.
“Minimally invasive therapies have dramatically changed what we are able to offer patients for cerebral aneurysms and stroke. This landmark trial should help us understand if a similar approach can improve the lives of patients with NPH,” said Mahesh Jayaraman MD, director of the neurovascular center and principal investigator of the STRIDE trial at Rhode Island Hospital.
If left untreated, NPH symptoms can worsen over time and may lead to serious complications or death. However, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, patients often see substantial improvement.
Rhode Island Hospital is unique because of its multidisciplinary NPH clinic which serves Rhode Island and southeastern New England. A team including a neurosurgeon, neurologist, physical therapist and neuropsychologist each see a potential NPH patient and then review their findings together to evaluate the next best course of treatment or testing for every patient.
Rhode Island Hospital is participating in the STRIDE clinical trial, which is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the eShunt System in treating NPH. If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained balance issues, memory concerns, or urinary incontinence, you may be eligible for evaluation. To schedule a consultation, contact the NPH Multidisciplinary Clinic at Rhode Island Hospital at 401-444-6528. For more information about the STRIDE trial, visit www.nphstridestudy.com
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