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Professional Technical IVT

EVD

Also written as: EVD — External Ventricular Drain

External ventricular drain; a catheter placed in brain ventricles to drain cerebrospinal fluid and monitor pressure.

Full Definition

An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a temporary catheter system inserted through the skull into the brain's ventricular system. It serves dual purposes: draining excess cerebrospinal fluid to reduce intracranial pressure and providing continuous monitoring of ICP. EVDs are commonly used in neurocritical care for patients with hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Proper documentation of EVD placement, drainage volumes, and complications is critical in medical records.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish from other drainage systems and neurosurgical interventions.

In Context

  • "EVD output measured 150 mL of clear CSF over the past 24 hours." — Nursing documentation
  • "The EVD was clamped to assess the patient's tolerance before removal." — Clinical assessment

Also known as

external ventricular drainage ventricular catheter

Don't confuse with

ETV (endoscopic third ventriculostomy) VP shunt (ventriculoperitoneal shunt)
Electrocerebral Silence ← Back to glossary external lumbar drain

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