Project Shunt
According to the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, the rate of spina bifida and other neural tube disorders in Guatemala is the highest in the world.
The U-M department of Neurosurgery travels to Guatemala every fall to perform surgeries, deliver supplies and provide care to Guatemalan children with neural tube disorders.
Project Shunt was the brain-child of then-resident Nicholas Boulis, who enlisted the support of Karin Muraszko in 1998. Dr. Muraszko, Dr. Suresh Ramnath and Dr. Boulis (who is now at the Cleveland Clinic) continue to lead a team of anesthesiologists, residents, nurses and translators to Guatemala City.
This year’s trip was again a success. The team saw 60 to 70 patients and performed 34 surgical procedures, including selective dorsal rhizotomies for spasticity, ventriculoperitoneal shunts for hydrochephalus and tethered cord releases.
If you are interested in changing the life of a child in Guatemala, please contact:
Michelle Davis
Development Officer
Department of Neurosurgery
University of Michigan
3552 Taubman Center
Ann Arbor , MI 48109-5338
734-936-8224
