Category
Neurosurgical Drainage Monitoring
Typical Use
Drain cerebrospinal fluid and monitor intracranial pressure in acute hydrocephalus.
Description
A catheter placed into a lateral ventricle and connected to an external closed drainage and pressure monitoring system that allows controlled cerebrospinal fluid removal to treat hydrocephalus, lower intracranial pressure, and obtain diagnostic samples while providing continuous ICP data. EVD management requires strict sterile technique during insertion and handling, accurate leveling and zeroing relative to the external auditory meatus, and vigilant monitoring for infection, hemorrhage, and catheter obstruction. Decisions about drainage thresholds, weaning, and conversion to internal shunting involve multidisciplinary neurosurgical assessment and careful documentation to minimize complications and optimize neurologic recovery.