https://www.subramaniamfoundationfgbh.com/

For every 1,000 babies born in the world, between1-2 have Hydrocephalus. 13% of babies born with Hydrocephalus in the US (and 98% of those born in underdeveloped nations), die within a year of birth.

Hydrocephalus or Congenital Hydrocephalus often referred to as “water in the brain”, is in fact an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.The most common treatment for Hydrocephalus is placement of a shunt in the brain.However, blockage/obstruction caused by metabolic waste, is a frequent problem associated with the Cerebral Shunt in the correction of Congenital Hydrocephalus. As a result, pediatric patients go through several reversal of shunt procedures and repetitive surgeries during their lifetime. This pain and suffering is accompanied with immense physical and emotional trauma, high risks for infections and heavy financial burdens at each such procedure. 

To eradicate this extremely challenging problem, I have invented a ‘Non-Obstructive Cerebral Shunt’. This shunt design is entirely different from the shunts available in the market today. This new design will last a lifetime, thereby eradicating the need for repetitive surgical procedures. This innovation has progressed from a 2D diagramto a 3D graphic design.The patent application for the invention has also been filed and published(https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2020150433A1/en?q=thirusivapragasam+subramaniam&oq=thirusivapragasam+subramaniam). At this time,the 3D model is ready for the next phase: Creating the Prototype. This will be followed by animal trials, compassionate clinical trials, and eventually FDA approval. 

I have so far approached 8 medical device manufacturers with an intention of collaborating with them. While all of them unanimously agreed that my design would solve the obstruction issue associated with the currently existing shunts,the manufacturers explicitly stated that they are unable to support my design as it will be significantly less profitable.At present medical device manufacturers sell between 15-25 shunts for each child with Hydrocephalus, while this new invention will need only 1 shunt for their lifetime.
 
All research and development so far has been pursued using my personal monies. However, given the significant costs associated with realizing this medical invention, I need support to continue further development. The following is a projection of the total anticipated costs: 

- Prototype: USD 20,000 

- 2-year Animal Trial:USD 500,000 

- Compassionate Clinical trial: USD 1,500,000 

Our immediate need is to raise USD 20,000 to develop the Prototype. 

At this juncture, I have established a Non-Profit Organization ‘Subramaniam Foundation for Global Brain Health’. Our Foundation’s goal is to enable cost-effective, clinically efficacious, and durable treatment of Hydrocephalus in children; and to eradicate the lifelong disability or mortality associated with non-optimal management of patients.

There are 3 clear objectives of the Subramaniam Foundation for Global Brain Health:​​
1. Take the Non-Obstructive Cerebral Shunt design from diagram to prototype; animal trials to clinical trials; and ultimately seek FDA approval.
2. Make shunts universally accessiblein both, developed and underdeveloped nations.
3. Distribute shunts free of charge to all children with Hydrocephalus in under-developed nations.

This ‘Non-Obstructive Cerebral Shunt’is an invention by Dr. Thirusivapragasam (Siva) Subramaniam, the Founder & CEO of ‘Subramaniam Foundation for Global Brain Health’. Dr. Subramaniam has worked as a surgeon, medical educator, university examiner and researcher in Malaysia, India, UK and Ireland. Presently based in Mayo Clinic (Rochester MN, USA), he is a member of Hydrocephalus Association Network and Discovery Science (HANDS). You can learn more about Dr. Subramaniam here:https://www.subramaniamfoundationfgbh.com/copy-2-of-team-members

Please donate generously to our cause and join us in turning this medical invention to reality. 100% of your donations will go to the Subramaniam Foundation for Global Brain Health.

You can read more about our Foundation here: https://www.subramaniamfoundationfgbh.com/