When a population or group of something is declining, and the amount that decreases is proportional to the size of the population, it's called exponential decay. In exponential decay, the total value decreases but the proportion that leaves remains constant over time.
A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a medical device that relieves pressure on the brain caused by fluid accumulation. VP shunting is a surgical procedure that primarily treats a condition called hydrocephalus. This condition occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collects in the brainâs ventricles. CSF cushions your brain and protects it from injury inside your skull.
This is called a V-A shunt (Ventricular-Atrial shunt). There are pictures of the two types of shunts in the pictures above. The shunt has a valve, which controls the amount of fluid that flows from the brain to the abdomen or heart. The most common complications of a ventricular shunt are infection and malfunction. Malfunction can be caused by blockage in the shunt, the shunt breaking or because a valve in the shunt is not working.