Modification of fetal intraventricular amniotic shunt.

The benefits of fetal intraventricular amniotic shunt remain unknown. Nevertheless, the use of this technique has been described by several authors. One of the potential complications arising from its placement is the inability to retract the catheter once it is placed through the large needle. This communication describes a modification of the shunt procedure. A suture placed through the distal end of the catheter allows retrieval of the catheter shunt for as long as the needle remains in place.