A newly designed disposable introducer sheath for a ventricular fiberscope

We have developed a disposable plastic introducer sheath for use with a flexible endoscope during intraventricular procedures. The sheath is composed of a thin polypropylene tube passing through the center of a plastic stopper. The tube serves as a sheath through which the fiberscope is introduced into the ventricle. The stopper seats in the burr hole and prevents downward and lateral movement of the tube. The sheath can be placed safely in the ventricle with a drainage catheter used as an introducing guide. We used this sheath system in 10 patients and found it very useful. Manipulation of the fiberscope was not hindered, copious irrigation was allowed, and the sheath remained stable on the skull. This new introducer sheath may contribute to the increased use of a flexible endoscope in neuroendoscopic procedures.