Health Library

Reservoirs

A reservoir (rez-er-vwar) is a tube used to remove extra fluid from the ventricles in the brain.

What to Expect

Your child will be taken to the operating room to have the reservoir placed. When the soft spot ("fontanelle") is full, the extra fluid is taken out through the reservoir. You will hear this described as tapping the reservoir.

How Long Will the Reservoir Be In?

Until the taps are not needed or the infant is ready to have a permanent shunt placed. When the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) returns to its usual color and to its usual (water-like) consistency, a permanent shunt can be put in to drain the extra fluid, if needed.