Sensor Design

The maintenance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume is crucial for normal brain physiology. A condition known as hydrocephalus can occur when CSF accumulates in the ventricles due to an obstruction such as a tumor. In America, there are 150,000 people diagnosed with this disease annually and around $1 billion is spent on treatment costs. Existing treatment options are solely based on pressure differences between a normal and disease state. However, differences in pressure with respect to body motion can greatly influence the measurement and treatment. We propose to fabricate a sensor based on reconstructed 3D models of the brain as shown in the figure. Optimal design decisions regarding treatment options will be implemented once the dynamics of the disease state are better understood.