ventriculostomy
Pronunciation: ven-trik-yuh-LOS-tuh-mee
Surgical placement of catheter into brain ventricle for intracranial pressure monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Critical neurosurgical intervention in pediatric brain injury.
Full Definition
Ventriculostomy is a neurosurgical procedure involving the placement of a catheter through the skull into the lateral ventricle of the brain. This procedure serves multiple purposes including continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure, drainage of cerebrospinal fluid to reduce elevated ICP, and sampling of CSF for laboratory analysis. In pediatric critical care, ventriculostomy is commonly performed for patients with traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, or other conditions causing elevated intracranial pressure. The procedure is typically performed at the bedside in the intensive care unit using sterile technique and anatomical landmarks. The catheter is connected to an external drainage system that can be adjusted to maintain desired ICP levels while preventing excessive CSF loss.
Usage
Usage note: Often referred to as EVD (external ventricular drain) in clinical practice.
In Context
- "Emergency ventriculostomy was performed for elevated intracranial pressure following traumatic brain injury." — Neurosurgical procedure note
- "The ventriculostomy drainage system was adjusted to maintain ICP below 20 mmHg." — Neurocritical care management plan