The tubing that is connected to the valve is threaded underneath the scalp and down the neck. The shunt may be placed behind the ear or behind the hair line in the front part of the skull. A small incision may be made in the neck, along the pathway, in order for the surgeon to pass the shunt beneath the skin. The shunt is in the fatty tissue which lies just below the skin. A further incision is made in the abdomen and the end of the shunt is directed here.
Different companies make different shunts, but the same principles apply to all.
A common example of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is available. In this system, the shunt tubing is passed from the valve to the neck where it is inserted into a vein. In the heart, the CSF passes into the blood stream and is filtered along with other body fluids. It may be useful for you to ask your neurosurgeon to show you an actual shunt. Be sure you know the name of your child's shunt.