University of Pittsburgh Announces Eight U.S. Patents Issued to Pitt Innovators in December 2025

Prenatal hydrocephalus is a rare but serious condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain’s ventricles before birth, causing them to enlarge and increase intracranial pressure, thereby affecting brain development. One of the primary causes is the obstruction of CSF flow. Pitt innovators have designed a surgical shunt employing a buckling-resistant soft composite tubing and super-elastic nitinol materials, providing enhanced stability and functionality compared to existing devices. Additionally, the device’s percutaneous, ultrasound-guided insertion technique minimizes potential harm to the mother. A prototype has demonstrated prolonged drainage during fetal growth.