What device is used to relieve excess cerebrospinal fluid?

The correct answer is a shunt, which is specifically designed to divert excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from one area of the body to another, typically to relieve pressure within the skull caused by conditions such as hydrocephalus. A shunt often consists of a flexible tube and a valve that regulates the flow of fluid, allowing it to drain to another part of the body, commonly the abdominal cavity. This procedure helps to prevent or alleviate the negative symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure, such as headaches, vision problems, and cognitive impairments.

Other devices, while related to medical procedures involving fluid management, do not serve the same specific purpose. A catheter is generally used for drainage or administration of fluids in various contexts but is not uniquely designed for managing cerebrospinal fluid. A drain typically refers to a device utilized in wound management to remove exudate but doesn’t address CSF specifically. A pump can be used in various medical scenarios but does not directly relieve excess cerebrospinal fluid pressure like a shunt does. Understanding the unique function of a shunt in managing cerebrospinal fluid is crucial for recognizing how certain medical devices serve specialized roles in patient care.