A state-of-the-art solution for hydrocephalus

The VIEshunt student team aims to benefit patients by developing an intelligent shunt able to regulate the intracranial pressure.
Student soldering on a circuit board. (Photo: ETH Zurich / Ian Oggenfuss)

Hydrocephalus is a disease in which cerebrospinal fluid collects in the cavities of the brain. One treatment option is to drain this fluid into the abdominal cavity via a surgically inserted device called a shunt. However, such purely mechanical shunts often lead to complications. The seven-member VIEshunt team therefore want to improve the treatment method by developing a mechatronic smart shunt. They are developing an intelligent system that automatically regulates the intracranial pressure to a healthy level.

(Video: ETH Zurich / Ian Oggenfuss)

Focus projects

In focus projects, bachelor’s students in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering put what they have learned into practice by developing a product independently. After identifying a market-oriented problem, the teams go through the entire product development process under realistic conditions: from marketing, conception, design and engineering to simulation and production. On 31 May 2022, the students will present their projects in a public exhibition.

VIEshunt