Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a minimally invasive brain procedure used to treat some forms of hydrocephalus by helping cerebrospinal fluid flow more normally.
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Hydrocephalus
We have decades of experience caring for patients with hydrocephalus, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)?
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a procedure that creates a small opening in the floor of the third ventricle, one of the fluid-filled spaces in the brain. This opening gives cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, another pathway to flow.
ETV is most often used to treat certain types of hydrocephalus, a condition that causes too much CSF to build up in the brain. It may be considered when fluid flow is blocked and a physician believes a shunt may not be the only option. Whether ETV is appropriate depends on the cause of hydrocephalus, the patient’s anatomy, age, symptoms and imaging findings.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
At Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, patients have access to physicians who evaluate complex brain and spine conditions with a focus on clear diagnosis, individualized treatment planning and coordinated care. For patients being considered for ETV, that means careful review of symptoms, brain imaging and whether this treatment or another option may be the best fit.
Baptist Health brings together specialists across neurosurgery, neurology, imaging and follow-up care. This team-based approach helps patients and families understand their options, ask informed questions and move forward with a treatment plan that matches their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ETV treats certain forms of hydrocephalus, especially when cerebrospinal fluid is blocked and cannot flow normally through the brain. It is most often used for obstructive hydrocephalus, but whether it is the right treatment depends on the cause of the blockage and the patient’s anatomy.
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No. ETV creates a new opening for fluid to flow inside the brain, while a shunt uses implanted tubing and a valve to move fluid to another part of the body. For some patients, ETV may be an alternative to a shunt. For others, a shunt may still be the better option.
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A candidate for ETV is someone whose imaging and overall condition suggest the procedure could safely improve CSF flow. Age, cause of hydrocephalus, prior surgery, symptoms and brain anatomy all matter. A physician needs to review these factors before deciding whether ETV is appropriate.
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Yes. ETV is generally considered minimally invasive because it uses a small opening and an endoscope rather than a larger surgical exposure. Even so, it is still brain surgery, which means it requires careful planning, anesthesia and close follow-up after the procedure.
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Risks can include bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, injury to nearby structures, CSF leakage and the possibility that the opening may not work well enough or may close later. The care team reviews individual risks based on the patient’s diagnosis, age and medical history.
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Recovery is different for every patient. Some people improve soon after pressure is relieved, while others need more time for healing and monitoring. Length of stay, return to normal activities and follow-up plans depend on age, symptoms and how the patient does after surgery.
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Yes. Even if ETV works well at first, the opening can become less effective over time. That is why follow-up is important. Patients and families should know the signs of increased pressure, such as headaches, nausea, sleepiness, or changes in thinking or balance.
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Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand brain and spine disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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