ventriculostomy
Pronunciation: ven-trik-yuh-LOS-toh-mee
Surgical procedure creating an opening into the brain's ventricular system for CSF drainage or monitoring.
Full Definition
Ventriculostomy is a neurosurgical procedure involving the placement of a catheter into the cerebral ventricular system to drain cerebrospinal fluid or monitor intracranial pressure. The most common type is external ventricular drainage (EVD), where a catheter is inserted through the skull into the lateral ventricle and connected to an external drainage system. Indications include acute hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intracranial pressure monitoring. The procedure carries risks of infection, bleeding, and catheter malfunction requiring careful monitoring.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether temporary (EVD) or permanent drainage; distinguish from shunt procedures.
In Context
- "Emergency ventriculostomy was performed for acute hydrocephalus secondary to SAH." — Operative neurosurgery report
- "The ventriculostomy was removed after ICP normalized and CSF cleared." — ICU progress note