What is an EVD for hydrocephalus?
External ventricular drains are life-saving devices used in neurosurgical patients with hydrocephalus (excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid). The fluid is produced in the brain ventricles and circulates around the brain and spinal cord, protecting them from injury and supplying brain cells with nutrients.
Is an EVD a shunt?
Talk to your child’s doctor about this surgery, and ask questions before scheduling the procedure. Vomiting The main alternative to an EVD is a shunt. This is a catheter with one end inserted in a brain ventricle.
When should EVD be placed?
EVDs can be placed rapidly at the bedside in emergent situations, or they may be inserted during surgery and left in place after the operation to drain debris and blood products from the ventricles to reduce the risk of shunt dependence.
What happens after EVD?
After EVD placement, the drain is tunneled subcutaneously and secured with surgical sutures and/or surgical staples. However, it is possible for the EVD to dislodge or migrate.
What is EVD infection?
Abstract. Objectives External ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is a common neurosurgical procedure. EVD-related infection (ERI) is a major complication that can lead to morbidity and mortality.
What is an EVD medically?
An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a temporary method that uses gravity to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) out of compartments in the brain, called ventricles, via a thin tube that goes out of the head into a chamber and bag.
What happens if too much CSF is drained?
It is possible that the puncture of the ventricle or the opening of the dura will result in an intracranial hemorrhage. It is possible that if too much CSF is removed from the ventricles, either during a drainage procedure or when the ventricle is first punctured, the ventricle may collapse and occlude the catheter.