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Optimizing Semi-Open Catheter Design for Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Using Computational and Rapid In Vitro Screening

Award Number: R03NS151556
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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Optimizing Semi-Open Catheter Design for Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Using Computational and Rapid In Vitro Screening - Project Summary Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological disorder affecting nearly one million Americans and is treated primarily with ventricular shunts to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain ventricles. Despite their life-saving role, shunt systems have high failure rates, about 50% fail within two years, largely due to proximal catheter obstruction caused by tissue ingrowth, blood clots, and debris accumulation. These failures lead to repeated surgeries, increased patient morbidity, and greater healthcare costs. Efforts to improve long-term reliability through new materials, valve mechanisms, or geometric modifications have shown mixed results. Computational and experimental findings vary due to differences in loading conditions, flow rates, and geometries. Many prior designs were developed without physiologically realistic modeling of intracranial dynamics and CSF flow, which is pulsatile and pressure dependent. As a result, critical mechanisms driving obstruction remain poorly understood. There is a critical need for a low-cost, reproducible, and physiologically accurate framework to evaluate catheter performance under clinically relevant conditions. Our preliminary computational studies indicate that semi-open ventricular catheter geometries may serve as viable alternatives to traditional closed-tip designs. The central hypothesis is that optimized semi-open designs will sustain uniform CSF flow and lower obstruction potential under physiologic conditions. Our overall objective is to (i) quantify how semi-open geometries enhance CSF transport efficiency and resist occlusion, and (ii) establish a validated testing platform with physiological flow control to assess future catheter performance. To attain this objective, we propose two specific aims. In Aim 1, we will develop and optimize semi-open ventricular catheter configurations using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models incorporating realistic pulsatile flow. In Aim 2, we will design and validate an in vitro platform capable of reproducing physiological CSF dynamics to assess optimized designs under clinically relevant conditions. Supported by preliminary CFD data and established modeling expertise, the rationale for the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of our quantitative model in evaluating shunt performance and identifying key design parameters that reduce obstruction risk. This research is significant because it bridges computational and experimental studies to achieve clinically relevant flow modeling. It is innovative in integrating a validated in silico–in vitro system to identify optimal catheter geometries that enhance long- term shunt reliability. The expected outcome is a scalable, quantitative testing platform and optimized designs that advance hydrocephalus treatment and future medical device translation.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $146,500 )
2026	2026	MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY	245 BARR AVE	MISSISSIPPI STATE	MS	39762	OKTIBBEHA	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	8/14/2026	NEW	$146,500
														Subtotal = $146,500

Grand Total All Awards = $146,500

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Optimizing Semi-Open Catheter Design for Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Using Computational and Rapid In Vitro Screening

Award Number: R03NS151556

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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