Ventriculostomy
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What to Except When You're Expecting A Ventriculostomy
Simply put into English, it's a tube that a surgeon runs through your skull and into one of the big, fluid-filled spaces on the inside of your brain (yes, your brain has big fluid-filled spaces on the inside) in order to drain off what's called cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds your brain, penetrates it...oh, sorry. *ahem* It does surround your brain, though, and it cushions it and provides a number of different benefits.
So why the hell would I need a tube in my brain? The reasons aren't good reasons. That is, you're obviously not doing all that well if we're needing to stick a tube in your brain.
The three big reasons to get a ventriculostomy (or "ventric",…
Resources
How to place an external ventricular drain (aka: ventriculostomy)
This video describes, step by step, how to place an external ventricular drain. This is a common neurosurgical procedure used to relieve intracranial pressure.
How to Place an External Ventriculostomy Catheter
Ventriculostomy catheters (aka: external ventricular drains or "ventrics") provide real time information about intracranial pressure. They also provide a way to treat elevated intracranial pressure. Common indications for EVD placement include subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and acute hydrocephalus.
ICP Monitoring: Less Is More?
The extraventricular drain is preferred in many centers because it not only monitors pressures, but it can also be used to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to actively try to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). But could less really be more?
Abraham Lincoln’s Ventriculostomy
Dr Leale, feeling around by hand, discovered the bullet hole in the back of Lincoln’s head right next to his left ear. Leale attempted to remove the bullet, but the bullet was too deep in his head,and instead Leale dislodged a clot of blood in the wound. Consequently, Lincoln’s breathing improved. Leale learned that if he continued to release more blood clots at a specific time, Lincoln would still breathe.
Creation of a novel simulator for minimally invasive neurosurgery: fusion of 3D printing and special effects
Rapid advances in optics, miniaturization, and computer technology have opened the door to a new field of minimally invasive neurosurgery. Selected procedures are now being performed through smaller surgical exposures using an array of microinstruments under endoscopic guidance, thereby reducing trauma to the brain and expediting patient recovery. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has evolved to become the treatment of choice in selected cases of noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Although this and other neuroendoscopic procedures are minimally invasive, they are not risk free and may be associated with major morbidity and mortality.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy
If patients are suitable for a third ventriculostomy, then there are several advantages to the procedure over shunts. Firstly the infection rate, at two per cent, is very low. The other main advantage is that there are not over-drainage problems, which can lead to headaches, because it is a natural way of draining the CSF. So while shunts still remain the mainstay of hydrocephalus treatment, third ventriculostomy is a complementary procedure suitable for a group of patients, and remains a useful adjunct for patients who have shunt problems or blockages later in life.
Having ICP Monitoring
The ICP monitoring procedure sounds rather daunting. I have to admit that I was so anxious about it! It involves your surgeon drilling a small hole into the top of your skull and inserting a small wire and bolt into the tissue area surrounding your brain.
Hemorrhagic complications of ventriculostomy placement: a meta-analysis
The overall hemorrhage risk associated with ventriculostomy placement based on the existing literature is 5.7%. Clinically significant hemorrhage due to ventriculostomy is less than 1%. Modifications of technique that might reduce hemorrhage risk, and the utility of routine post-procedural CT scanning, merit further investigation.
Operative Neurosurgery
Ventriculostomy is a common Neurosurgical technique and accurate placement of the ventricular catheter is one of the most important variables in the longevity of shunt survival
The history of external ventricular drainage
Today, external ventricular drain placement is among the most common neurosurgical procedures, often performed in the intensive care unit. The history of EVD is a great example of technical innovation and evolution in the field of neurosurgery.
Ventriculostomy Infections and Complications: Surely We Should Be Doing Better?
The placement of a ventriculostomy tube is a well-established interventional method by which the regulation of CSF volume, pressure and, to an extent, content, can be manipulated. However, because it is externalized, the risk of infection remains the most significant complication of such a procedure...
Ventriculostomy: Frequency, length of stay and in-hospital mortality in the United States of America, 1988-2010.
The three most common individual principal diagnoses were subarachnoid hemorrhage (19.1%), intracerebral hemorrhage (14.9%), and obstructive hydrocephalus (3.8%).
What to Except When You're Expecting A Ventriculostomy
Simply put into English, it's a tube that a surgeon runs through your skull and into one of the big, fluid-filled spaces on the inside of your brain (yes, your brain has big fluid-filled spaces on the inside) in order to drain off what's called cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds your brain, penetrates it...oh, sorry. *ahem* It does surround your brain, though, and it cushions it and provides a number of different benefits.
Head Drains
A guide to ventriculostomy therapy for patients and families...
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