Enabling Continuous Intracranial Pressure Monitoring During MRI: A Technical Note on the Development of an MR-Safe...

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often discontinued due to safety concerns, as commonly used devices are not MR-conditional for in situ operation. Parenchymal probes must be disconnected, and external ventricular drainage (EVD) systems are typically closed or cannot be connected to MR-conditional transducers, thereby limiting diagnostic opportunities in unstable neurocritical care patients. MR examinations in neurocritical care are often deferred-or performed with ICP monitoring paused-because commonly used devices are not MR-conditional for in situ operation: parenchymal probes must be disconnected and EVD systems are typically closed or cannot be connected to MR-conditional transducers. This technical note describes the development of a custom-made, MR-safe support frame that enables continuous ICP monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage during scanning. The device complies with MR-conditional requirements and allows for hydrostatic levelling to ensure accurate pressure readings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This innovation may improve MR access for unstable patients by enabling earlier and repeated imaging, potentially allowing for earlier detection of secondary brain injury.