[Measurement technique. Systems and methods for intracranial pressure monitoring]

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has a key role within the neuromonitoring, although ICP does not monitor processes of the central neuron directly and only with delay. One of the important factors in ICP monitoring is measurement accuracy. For a better understanding of ICP probes and their differences, the function and principles of intracranial pressure transducers should be evaluated from a technical point of view.

The principles of ICP measurement were analyzed and compared. Practical applications of these principles were examined and examples of different ICP probes were discussed regarding their mode of pressure transformation. The technical advances of ICP monitoring were analyzed.

Since LUNDBERG, a variety of different types of transducers has been developed. Ventricular ICP monitoring has been supplemented by extradural and intraparenchymatous probes. An increasing miniaturization of the transducers has emerged. Additionally, fiberoptic systems have been developed. Latest developments include multifunctional ICP probes. So far, the main problem of most types of transducers consists in the inability to assess measurement accuracy of a probe during the period of patient monitoring.

ICP probes should be tested better for correct function by the manufacturer prior to sale. External controls of the measurement accuracy should be performed more frequently to ensure constant quality. Future ICP transducers have still to be more cost-effective.