A ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt allows for drainage of CSF from the brain into the right atrium of the heart via the superior vena cava. This is the treatment of choice when VP shunt is precluded by abdominal abnormalities such as surgery, peritonitis, or morbid obesity. VA shunts in particular are associated with higher rates of septicemia. They are also associated with nephropathy when placed during childhood.