Updated February 19, 2010.

Definition: Shunt means the movement of bodily fluids from one place to another. In some cases this is done intentionally, using surgical techniques, to remove fluid that is problematic. For example, if a child is diagnosed with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) a surgical drain referred to as a shunt is placed to remove excess fluid from the brain and empty the fluid into the abdomen.

Shunting refers to a problem where blood passes through the lung without becoming oxygenated.

This can be caused by a problem with blood vessels, lung function or both.

Also Known As: shunt, shunting

Common Misspellings: shunnting, shunnt, shont,

Examples: The surgeon placed a special drain, called a shunt, to fix the problem.