CSF Shunt Valve X-Ray Identification Guide

Visual reference for identifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt valves used in the treatment of hydrocephalus by their X-ray appearance. Browse programmable and non-programmable valve models from major manufacturers including Miethke, Medtronic, Codman, Sophysa, and Integra. Each valve includes links to official vendor documentation, instructions for use, MRI safety information, and pressure setting guides.

Programmable Valves

Miethke M.Blue

The M.Blue is a programmable differential pressure valve with an integrated gravitational unit. On X-ray, the rectangular titanium housing and pressure setting dial are usually clearly visible.

Miethke proGAV 2

The proGAV 2 combines a programmable differential pressure unit with a gravitational antisyphon component.

Miethke proGAV 1

The proGAV 1 is a programmable valve with a gravitational unit, similar in design to the proGAV 2. On X-ray, it presents a dual-component profile with the programmable pressure chamber and the gravitational antisyphon device visible as distinct radiopaque sections.

Medtronic PS Medical Strata

The Medtronic Strata valve offers selectable pressure settings (0.5 to 2.0) via an external magnet. On X-ray, the cylindrical titanium body with internal ball-and-spring mechanism is visible.

Medtronic StrataMR™ II

The StrataMR II is designed for MRI conditional use at 1.5T and 3T. On X-ray, it shares the cylindrical form factor of the Strata line with visible internal pressure-adjustment components.

Medtronic Strata NSC

The Strata NSC is a non-symbol-coded variant of the Strata family. On X-ray, it presents the same cylindrical titanium housing as other Strata valves but without the programmable adjustment mechanism. The valve body is identifiable by its compact, smooth-edged radiopaque profile.

Codman Hakim programmable csf shunt valve x-ray

Codman Hakim Programmable Valve

The Codman Hakim Programmable Valve offers 18 pressure settings from 30 to 200 mmH2O. On X-ray, the distinctive circular adjustment dial is visible within the titanium housing. The valve has a characteristic round profile with identifiable markings indicating the current pressure setting.

Codman Certas Plus programmable csf shunt valve x-ray

Codman CERTAS™ Plus Programmable Valve

The CERTAS Plus offers 8 programmable pressure settings with an enhanced antisiphon device. On X-ray, the circular adjustment mechanism with numbered settings is visible within the radiopaque housing. The valve body has a compact disc-like profile with identifiable internal configuration.

Sophysa Sophy Mini SM8

The Sophy Mini SM8 is a compact programmable valve with 8 pressure settings. On X-ray, the small cylindrical titanium body with visible pressure adjustment mechanism is identifiable. Its miniaturized form factor distinguishes it from larger programmable valves in the market.

Sophysa Polaris

The Sophysa Polaris is a programmable valve designed for precise pressure management. On X-ray, the cylindrical titanium housing with adjustable pressure mechanism is visible.

Non-Programmable Valves

Medtronic Delta

The Medtronic Delta is a fixed-pressure, non-programmable valve. On X-ray, the compact cylindrical titanium body with internal ball-and-spring mechanism is visible. The valve has a simple, streamlined radiopaque profile without adjustment mechanisms.

Medtronic PS Medical Pressure Differential

The Medtronic PS Medical Pressure Differential valve operates at a fixed differential pressure. On X-ray, the cylindrical titanium housing with internal differential mechanism is visible. The valve has a compact, uniform radiopaque appearance without external adjustment features.

Codman Fixed Pressure csf shunt valve x-ray

Codman Fixed Pressure Valve

The Codman Fixed Pressure valve provides consistent differential pressure without adjustability. On X-ray, the cylindrical titanium body with internal ball-and-spring mechanism is visible. The valve has a simple, compact radiopaque profile similar to other fixed-pressure designs.

Integra differential pressure dp csf shunt valve x-ray

Integra DP Valve

The Integra DP (Differential Pressure) valve is a non-programmable fixed-pressure device. On X-ray, the cylindrical titanium housing with internal differential pressure mechanism is visible.

Spitz Holter

The Spitz-Holter valve, introduced in 1956, was one of the earliest CSF shunt valves used in hydrocephalus treatment. On X-ray, its distinctive early-generation design is recognizable by the radiopaque silicone and metal components.