my son had a vp shunt that became infected and due to the scar tissue it was converted into a va shunt. He didn't have any problems but because he was only one, he outgrew it- a va shunt has to be lengthened periodically if you have not finished growing because the tube has to be a specific length- they can't place extra tubing in your heart. because he was prone to infection, we were also concerned about it getting infected again and it going to his heart. At his last revision, they switched it back to his belly and so far so good. I would think that for an adult a va shunt would b fine. We just couldn't bear the thought of multiple surgeries as he got older.