Ommaya reservoir
Pronunciation: oh-MY-ah REZ-er-vwahr
An implanted ventricular access device used for intrathecal drug delivery or CSF sampling.
Full Definition
An Ommaya reservoir is a surgically implanted subcutaneous dome connected to a ventricular catheter that provides repeated access to the cerebrospinal fluid system. Named after neurosurgeon Ayub Ommaya, this device enables intrathecal chemotherapy administration, CSF sampling, or drainage without repeated lumbar punctures. In neuro-oncology, Ommaya reservoirs are commonly used for delivering methotrexate or other chemotherapeutic agents directly into the CSF for leptomeningeal metastases or primary CNS lymphoma. The reservoir requires careful maintenance to prevent infection and catheter malfunction.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Ommaya' as it is named after the inventor.
In Context
- "An Ommaya reservoir was placed for intrathecal methotrexate administration in the patient with CNS lymphoma." — Surgical procedure note
- "CSF samples were obtained via the existing Ommaya reservoir for cytological analysis." — Procedure documentation