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In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
Published on: March 21, 2025
In vitro testing of current spread during ventricular catheter coagulation using diathermy. Technical note
Frederick A Boop1, Azedine Medhkour, John Honeycutt
1Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA. fboop@semmes-murphey.com
Journal of Neurosurgery
|March 3, 2007
Summary
A complication involving anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm led to the development of a simple diathermy unit test. This test helps neurosurgeons determine safe coagulation parameters for ventricular catheters, reducing risks.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Device Safety
- Electrosurgery
Background:
- Anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm hemorrhage is a rare but serious complication.
- Monopolar coagulation is frequently used for ventricular catheter placement.
- Determining safe coagulation parameters is crucial to prevent iatrogenic injury.
Observation:
- A case of pseudoaneurysm hemorrhage occurred after monopolar coagulation for a lodged ventricular catheter.
- A bench test was developed using egg whites and ventricular catheters to simulate diathermy effects.
- Different diathermy wattages and durations were tested to observe heat and coagulation patterns.
Findings:
- Flames and significant coagulum formation were observed at higher wattages (35-40 W).
- Adequate coagulation with minimal flame was achieved at 20 W.
- Suboptimal coagulation occurred at 15 W, indicating insufficient heat dissipation.
Implications:
- The developed bench test provides a simple method for neurosurgeons to optimize diathermy settings.
- Lowering coagulation current to 20 W for ventricular catheters can enhance patient safety.
- This study contributes to preventing diathermy-related complications in neurosurgical procedures.
