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Long Tunneled External Ventricular Drains with Shunt Valves: A Technical Note
Guilu He1, Jianhao Lin1, Jing Ye1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
World Neurosurgery
|October 11, 2022
Summary
A novel long tunneled external ventricular drain (EVD) with shunt valves avoids repeat surgeries. This technique simplifies cerebrospinal fluid management and extends drain indwelling time safely.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- External ventricular drain (EVD) is a standard neurosurgical procedure.
- Limitations in safe EVD duration necessitate repeat operations for some patients.
- A new technique, long tunneled EVD (LTEVD) with shunt valves, is presented to overcome these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the LTEVD technique with shunt valves.
- To demonstrate how LTEVD can prevent multiple drainage operations.
- To highlight the benefits of visual cerebrospinal fluid control.
Main Methods:
- The LTEVD features an externalized shunt valve in the middle of the drainage tube.
- The drainage tube is tunneled subcutaneously with the outlet placed in the abdomen.
- The technique utilizes easily accessible materials for a simple connection.
Main Results:
- The LTEVD system allows for visualization and control of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.
- Physicians benefit from easier CSF management.
- No instances of drainage tube failure or secondary infection were reported.
- Significantly extended catheter indwelling times were achieved.
Conclusions:
- The LTEVD with shunt valves is an effective and simple neurosurgical technique.
- It enables visual control of drainage, prolongs catheter use, and eliminates the need for repeated surgeries.
- This method enhances patient care by simplifying EVD management.
