Microcephaly is a condition in which a decreased size in the skull of fetuses or babies occurs, preventing the full development of his brain.

In addition to genetics, another cause of the disease: smoking and alcohol during pregnancy, use of contraceptives, infection of the Zika virus, lack of folic acid in the mother, as well as excess cerebrospinal fluid in the skull that can result in poor geometry of the fetal head.

In response, Mexican scientists from the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM) developed a micro valve whose function is to release excess cerebrospinal fluid and thereby decrease caused by microcephaly during the gestational process effects.

Dr. Said Robles Casolco, who works at the Center for Research in Engineering and Applied Sciences (CIICAp), UAEM, explained that prior to placement of the valve an ultrasound is performed to measure feet, head and bodies are training and check whether it is microcephaly, since it is from 24 weeks gestation when you can detect the disease.

If the result condition and having the image of the fetus head, as the valve is designed and manufactured with biocompatible materials through three-dimensional printing. Subsequently, it is placed during an operation in which small incision in the skull of the fetus is done, same as being in development process still has characteristics of cartilage, being a soft material.

To tell the specialist, the valve function is to allow the cerebrospinal fluid is released within the area of gestation and avoid excess fluid in conjunction with the size of the skull causing increased pressure in certain areas of the brain and thus more consequences for the fetus. With the method enables the baby to be born with fewer problems.

Is noteworthy that the cerebrospinal fluid is in the brain, nervous mass which is inside the skull and spinal cord. Has among other functions protect, nourish, lubricate and collaborate in the electrical process of the central nervous system. The human body produces this liquid daily; however, if it is contained in a small head causes deformation.

On the other hand, also academician of the UAEM, stressed that the valve does an improvement in the growth of the skull, as it is designed only to evacuate the liquid.

Engineering into the inside of device does not allow air or other substances enter allowing the brain never be exposed. It also has a system where the growth process is in proportion of fluid release.

After settled, given the biocompatible material that is manufactured, the product remains until the baby's birth where the valve other change device, its use has no consequences.

Mexican scientist mentioned that already has a prototype of true size and UAEM mechanisms have led to progress in the patent process. It is expected that 2017 will already have the product to apply.

Although still not the product price is estimated scientist UAEM he said that is intended to university and government have agreements to facilitate access to this method.

Finally, the specialist stressed that it is advisable to make an early detection for a lower possibility that in the developing fetus has more problems.