To determine the patency of a LeVeen shunt, where is the radiopharmaceutical administered?

The patency of a LeVeen shunt is evaluated by administering a radiopharmaceutical directly into the peritoneal cavity. The LeVeen shunt is designed to divert fluid from the peritoneal cavity to the venous system to alleviate issues such as ascites. By placing the radiopharmaceutical within the peritoneal cavity, one can monitor its flow through the shunt to determine if it is functioning correctly and whether there are any blockages or malfunctions that prevent proper drainage.

This assessment typically involves imaging to ensure that the radioactivity moves through the shunt to the intended venous location, confirming its patency. Other avenues of administration, such as into a vein or through the shunt tubing, would not effectively allow for the evaluation of the device's function, and targeting structures like the circle of Willis is unrelated to the shunt's operation, as it pertains to cerebral circulation rather than the drainage of abdominal fluid.