Pressure Monitor

There are 3 ways to monitor pressure in the skull (intracranial pressure).

INTRAVENTRICULAR CATHETER

The intraventricular catheter is the most accurate monitoring method.

To insert an intraventricular catheter, a hole is drilled through the skull. The catheter is inserted through the brain into the lateral ventricle. This area of the brain contains liquid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) that protects the brain and spinal cord.

The intraventricular catheter can also be used to drain fluid out through the catheter.

The catheter may be hard to get into place when the intracranial pressure is high.

SUBDURAL SCREW

This method is used if monitoring needs to be done right away. A hollow screw is inserted through a hole drilled in the skull. It is placed through the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord (dura mater). This allows the sensor to record from inside the subdural space.

EPIDURAL SENSOR

An epidural sensor is inserted between the skull and dural tissue. The epidural sensor is placed through a hole drilled in the skull. This procedure is less invasive than other methods, but it cannot remove excess CSF.

Lidocaine or another local anesthetic will be injected at the site where the cut will be made. You will most likely get a sedative to help you relax.

• First the area is shaved and cleansed with antiseptic.
• After the area is dry, a surgical cut is made. The skin is pulled back until the skull is seen.