Percutaneous needle trephination for external CSF drainage: experience with 226 punctures

We report on our experience with 226 percutaneous needle trephinations in a total of 192 consecutive patients. Trephination was performed with a hand-driven drill. A special puncture needle was inserted into the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The main indication for this procedure was the treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus in an emergency. Duration of drainage ranged from 1 to 34 days and was 7 days on the average. We encountered 14 cases of infection (6.2%) and one case of symptomatic bleeding (0.4%). All these complications eventually resolved without permanent sequelae. In our opinion, ventricle puncture with this device is a simple and effective method and can especially be recommended for external CSF drainage in cases of emergency.     

Percutaneous needle trephination. Experience in 200 cases

Summary For many years percutaneous needle and classic burr-hole trephination with insertion of plastic catheters for external ventricular drainage are in use. The shortcomings of the conventional puncture needles were compensated for by the development of a modified instrument in recent years.In this prospective study we tried to define advantages and disadvantages of percutaneous ventriculostomy with this modified needle in a large number of patients. We treated and followed a total number of 200 patients with external ventricular drainage for various reasons (42% obstructive hydrocephalus, 27% haematocephalus, 11% malresorptive hydrocephalus, 11% elevated ICP and 9% infections). The ventriculostomy is performed — after percutaneous trepheication with a 1.5 mm drill and 1.2 mm needle under the local aesthesia as a bedside procedure. The modified blunt needle is provided with markings and a set screw which allows insertion to a prefixed depth and a sharp guide which is withdrawn after penetration of the dura. It is then bent rostrally and fixed by a plaster cast. The mean duration of drainage was 9 days (1–30 days). Mean operating time for the whole procedure including fixation and connection to the drainage system was 20 minutes. Overall complication rate was 13% (N=26). Two intracerebral haemorrhages (1%) occurred, of which one was caused by overdrainage. Five (3%) infections in primarily not infectious cases (N=182) were seen. Only one case of infection occurred without loosing of the needle on day 17. In 19 patients (10%) the needles had loosened. Fifteen times this complication was repaired in time and no infection occurred. The overall complication rate (13%) and the needle related risk of bleeding (0.5%) seem average. The true risk of infection with correct handling (0.5%) is very low despite the very long average duration of drainage. The main risk lies in the markedly high danger of loosening (10%), which entails a disproportionally high demand for nursing care. Nevertheless, we regard percutaneous needle trephination as the ventriculostomy method of choice because of its better practicability and low infection rate.     

Needle fixing device for percutaneous needle trephination

Summary The author describes a device for the fixation of the needle, instead of plaster, in percutaneous needle trephination (PNT) for continuous measurement of ventricular ICP or for external ventricular drainage.     

The effect of continuous drainage of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective analysis of 108 patients

The effects of continuous drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on vasospasm and hydrocephalus were analyzed retrospectively in 108 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who were operated on for ruptured aneurysms within 48 hours of their onset. Ninety-two of these patients underwent a procedure for CSF drainage (cisternal drainage, ventricular drainage, lumbar drainage, or a combination of these). The duration, the total volume, and the average daily volume of CSF drainage were 10.4 +/- 7.0 days (mean +/- SD). 2034 +/- 1566 ml, and 190 +/- 65.3 ml, respectively. Patients with a greater drainage volume at a lower height of drainage in the early period after SAH developed more cerebral infarctions later (P less than 0.025). The relationship between the total volume of CSF removed and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was determined to be statistically significant (P less than 0.005). Cerebral infarction and hydrocephalus after SAH were also found to be statistically associated (P less than 0.001). Thus, continuous cerebrospinal fluid drainage should not be performed too readily in patients with SAH, because the removal of a large amount of CSF can induce cerebral vasospasm as well as hydrocephalus.     

Mycobacterium tuberculosis meningitis: a report of twelve cases and a literature review

Twelve recent cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis meningitis were presented, and the literature was reviewed. There are no particularly new or unique therapies or approaches to the management of this most serious disease. The major obstacle to successful diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis continues to be a lack of clinical suspicion of its presence. As illustrated in the cases presented, it has been our experience that patients already moribund or nonresponsive do not respond, regardless of the intervention undertaken. The most sensitive and economical method of detecting M. tuberculosis in the CSF may be LPA. However, this has not yet been widely validated or accepted. Larger volumes of CSF should be sent to the laboratory for testing and centifuged to about 5x concentrations before both acid-fast bacilli staining and culture are attempted. If tuberculous meningitis is suspected, three-drug therapy can be started immediately without jeopardizing subsequent culture confirmation of the presence of the TB bacillus. In addition, these patients must be followed closely to detect hydrocephalus at the earliest possible moment. When patients fail to respond to appropriate antituberculosis and pressure-reducing therapy, hydrocephalus should be actively sought by either CT or radioisotope cisternography. Although the decision to proceed to ventricular drainage or shunting must be individually made in adult patients with infection-related hydrocephalus, we agree with others that surgical intervention should be considered early and should be performed if the level of consciousness deteriorates, intracranial pressure increases, or ventricular enlargement or enhancing basal exudates are identified on CT.     

Perioperative external ventricular drainage in obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to infratentorial brain tumours

Summary Of 148 patients with infratentorial brain tumours which were operated upon during a 5 year period, 59 patients had associated obstructive hydrocephalus, as evidenced by preoperative CT scan. External ventricular drainage was performed in these cases at time of surgery. CSF drainage was continued in the postoperative period for a mean of 2.3 (± 1.6) days. Only 6 of these 59 patients (10%) required a subsequent indwelling shunt. The infection rate was 10% and the total mortality was 8%. Perioperative ventricular drainage during and following the removal of posterior fossa tumours causing hydrocephalus provides an effective alternative to the preoperative placement of an indwelling shunt. Problems of shunt dysfunction, tumour seeding and upward herniation are thereby avoided. Post-operative ICP monitoring and drainage of blood and debris laden CSF is performed, increasing the safety of the postoperative period and possibly reducing the incidence of aspetic meningitis and post-operative shunt requirement.     

Low pressure hydrocephalus: issues of diagnosis and treatment in five cases

Five patients with hydrocephalus who failed to respond to apparently adequate CSF drainage via a functioning shunt (four cases) or external ventricular drain (one case) are described. In three of the four shunted cases, the shunt was ventriculoperitoneal with a medium pressure valve, and in one a combination of peritoneal and atrial shunts both with low pressure valves. All five patients were tested for possible low pressure hydrocephalus by a period of external ventricular drainage at heights of 0 to -5 cm H2O below the reference point (external auditory meatus--EAM). Four of the five patients showed rapid and significant clinical improvement and went on to shunt revision (three) or insertion (one). The shunts were then all peritoneal, of which three were valveless, whilst one had a Sophy programmable valve at the lowest setting. In all four patients the improvement was sustained and was associated with a radiological (CT or MRI) improvement which varied from marked to slight. In the fifth patient there was no improvement with low pressure external drainage and no shunt revision was undertaken. On the basis of these cases the possible entity of low pressure hydrocephalus is discussed with particular reference to mechanism, recognition and management.     

Ventricle puncture for external CSF drainage and pressure measurement using a modified puncture needle

Summary A modified needle for external ventricular drainage is presented. Contrary to conventional spinal needles with this instrument the sharp guide can be withdrawn after penetration of the dura, thus, no sharp instrument affects the brain, nor remains within the ventricles in cases of continuous drainage. Furthermore, depth of penetration can be determined preoperatively by means of a set screw also facilitating fixation of the needle. To date, we have used this modified needle in 50 patients for short or long term CSF drainage and for CSF pressure measurements. Trephination was performed with a hand or battery-driven drill. Except for an infection in one case we found no serious complications in our patients. In our opinion, ventricle puncture for external drainage and pressure measurement with this device is a simple and safe method and can be performed on the ward under local anaesthesia.     

Technical Note: External Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Drainage by Percutaneous Needle Punction in Newborn Children

Summary  External drainage of CSF in children is indicated in acute hydrocephalus e.g. after intraventricular bleeding or infection. In these cases the drainage has to remain in place until physiological CSF circulation is restored or an internal shunt can be inserted. External drainage is mostly performed using a silicon catheter connected to a plastic bag. An external CSF drainage left for several days in situ bears an increasing risk of bacterial infection. In these cases a metal needle minimizes the risk of ventriculitis.  For prevention of accompanying infection we implanted a Cytocan^R port needle with a 20 G diameter in 7 infants. The needle is easily inserted with low risk of complications. By its plastic top angulated at 90° to the needle the system can be fixed to the skin very safely by suture or tape.  With this system neither an implantation related intracerebral haemorrhage nor an accompanying ventriculitis was encountered. In two cases a pre-existing ventriculitis was cured by this needle drainage and antibiotic treatment. In five cases an acute hydrocephalus after intraventricular haemorrhage was drained by the port needle system.     

Cerebral blood oxygenation after cerebrospinal fluid removal in hydrocephalus measured by near infrared spectroscopy

BACKGROUND: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap test has been used for the diagnosis of chronic hydrocephalus to identify the candidates for surgical CSF shunting. However, a high rate of false negative results limits it utility. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the concomitant monitoring of cerebral hemodynamics by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the tap test. METHODS: Thirteen patients with dilated ventricular system were candidates for this study. We assessed for the patterns of cerebral blood oxygenation (CBO) change in hydrocephalus to determine whether CBO change after CSF removal is useful for selecting shunt candidates. RESULTS: Patients who showed clinical improvement following CSF shunting had a characteristic CBO change with increases in the concentration of oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb), and patients without improvement during continuous CSF drainage test showed no increase in Oxy-Hb. CONCLUSION: The current data suggests that CBF increases after CSF removal in hydrocephalus. Although the patients utilized in the present study had secondary chronic hydrocephalus, we speculate that these data could be applied to patients with idiopathic chronic hydrocephalus. Further investigation would be of benefit.     

Surgical management of acute cerebellar infarction

After reviewing the literature, a personal series of 10 adult patients with cerebellar infarction diagnosed by CT scan is described. The clinical picture in young adult men is characterized by rapid onset of headache, vomiting, vertigo, ataxia and blurred vision. After this sudden onset the patients may present a stable course or a rapid or delayed onset of brain stem compression, revealed by impairment of consciousness. CT scan is the diagnostic method of choice. The correlation between angiographic and CT localization of the infarction is not good. For therapy the following policy is suggested: in alert and clinically stable patients: medical treatment (mannitol, glycerol, dexamethason), ICP and serial CT monitoring; in alert patients with hydrocephalus or mass effect: medical treatment and monitoring as mentioned before; ventricular drainage if ICP surpasses 350 mm H2O; in patients with impaired consciousness and hydrocephalus or mass effect: immediate ventricular drainage. If it is not followed by prompt improvement of the level of consciousness, an emergency suboccipital craniectomy with removal of the infarcted tissue should be done.     

经皮肾细针穿刺美蓝试验诊断输尿管瘘的应用价值

目的：探讨经皮肾细针穿刺美蓝试验在输尿管瘘诊断中的应用价值.方法：回顾性分析54例输尿管瘘患者的临床诊断资料：常规先行静脉尿路造影（IVP）,部分患者同时行增强CT,然后所有患者均行经皮肾细针穿刺美蓝试验.结果：42例IVP或增强CT提示患侧输尿管瘘,其中1例虽IVP和增强CT均提示为左侧输尿管瘘,但经皮肾细针穿刺美蓝试验证实为右侧输尿管瘘.12例患者IVP或增强CT无法判断患侧输尿管瘘,其中4例肾脏不显影,5例肾脏显影淡,延迟显影仍显示不清,3例上尿路显影良好,但无法区分患侧输尿管瘘.12例IVP显示不清患者通过行经皮肾细针穿刺美蓝试验,均明确诊断为患侧输尿管瘘.IVP诊断准确率为75.9%（41/54）,经皮肾细针穿刺美蓝试验为100%（54/54）.所有患者经通畅负压引流、经皮肾穿刺造瘘术尿流改道或二期手术后痊愈.结论：IVP或增强CT是诊断输尿管瘘的有效方法,但存在一定局限性.经皮肾细针穿刺美蓝试验诊断输尿管瘘方法简便,准确率高,无放射性损害,可作为输尿管瘘的常规诊断方法,并可为采用有效的经皮肾造瘘引流治疗输尿管瘘提供重要的指导信息.     

Normal pressure hydrocephalus: Correlation between CT and measurements of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

Twenty-nine patients consecutively admitted for consideration of CSF diversion surgery for suspected communicating ("normal pressure") hydrocephalus underwent cranial computerized tomography (CT) and study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption, the latter determined as resistance to outflow of CSF (Ro). From the CT the size of the ventricular system was determined by various linear measurements and ratios and the presence of periventricular lucencies (PVL) and the size of cortical sulci was noted. Except for absence of cortical sulci greater than 3 mm no CT feature was suggestive of compromised CSF absorption. On the other hand, cortical atrophy did not rule out increased resistance to CSF-outflow. Features thought of as characteristic for normal pressure hydrocephalus on CT: large ventricles as compared with the amount of cortical atrophy and presence of PVL, correlated poorly with measured high resistance values. There was no correlation between the size of the ventricular system and resistance to CSF outflow. In the diagnostic distinction between communicating ("normal pressure") hydrocephalus and cerebral atrophy (hydrocephalus ex vacuo) static CT cannot replace an actual determination of CSF outflow resistance.     

Extracorporeal ventriculoatrial shunt with the use of one-way ball valve

We developed a simple system of an "extracorporeal" ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt using a one-way ball valve (Acty valve II, Kaneka Medix) to release the patient from postoperative constraint during the ventricular drainage. The system is constructed in such a way that the ventricular drainage tube is connected to the central venous catheter via a one-way valve. The CSF is regulated by using the valve and is diverted into the systemic circulation as in the conventional ventriculoatrial shunt. After 2 or 3 weeks of CSF diversion through the extracorporeal VA shunt, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is placed if hydrocephalus is apparent by temporary occlusion of the system. We applied this system to 4 patients with hydrocephalus, and we found it useful and free from adverse effects. The patient was freed from physical constraint involved in conventional ventricular drainage and an effective program of early rehabilitation was able to be started.     

The relationship of ventricular drainage to aneurysmal rebleeding.

Given the widespread use of continuous external ventricular drainage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), this investigation was undertaken to define the relationship of ventricular drainage to aneurysmal rebleeding. A historical cohort study of 128 patients with confirmed aneurysmal SAH was performed using a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between aneurysmal rerupture and ventricular drainage, while controlling for important clinical and radiological independent variables. The variables for ventricular drainage selected in the regression analysis were clinical grade, aneurysm size, and presence of hydrocephalus. The rate of rerupture was significantly higher in cases with ventricular drainage (odds ratio 5.31:1, p less than 0.05), poor clinical grade (odds ratio 4.90:1, p less than 0.02), and large aneurysm size (odds ratio 11.25:1, p less than 0.01). The significant effect of ventricular drainage was limited to patients with hydrocephalus. The increased risk of aneurysmal rebleeding in patients undergoing ventricular drainage may result from both: 1) a rise in aneurysmal transmural pressure, since intracranial pressure is lowered by ventricular drainage; and 2) an association between ventricular drainage and a more severely disrupted aneurysm which is more prone to rebleed as part of its natural history. This study found an increased risk of aneurysmal rebleeding among patients undergoing ventricular drainage, particularly in the presence of hydrocephalus.     

Multiple supratentorial epidural haematomas after posterior fossa surgery

Postoperative epidural haematoma distant to a site of craniotomy is a rare but possibly hazardous complication. We report a 31-year-old female who presented with a history of chronic hydrocephalus due to fourth-ventricular plexus papilloma. Following resection of the posterior fossa tumour with intraoperative placement of a ventricular drainage, she consecutively developed four supratentorial epidural haematomas at different locations, all necessitating evacuation. The clinical manifestations ranged from subtle neurological deficits to signs of tentorial herniation; the ultimate outcome was complete recovery. Rapid tapering of CSF pressure after long-standing hydrocephalus and clotting disorders could be implicated as causative factors. We stress the importance of early postoperative CT scan and optimal management of ventricular pressure and coagulation status to detect and prevent this possibly life-threatening complication.     

Relationship between shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after subarachnoid haemorrhage and duration of cerebrospinal fluid drainage

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) patients in Fisher group 3 have a high risk of vasospasm and chronic hydrocephalus. We have provided cisternal irrigation combined with a head-shaking method for preventing vasospasm in SAH patients. We investigated 76 SAH patients in Fisher group 3 who received cisternal irrigation with head-shaking to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of hydrocephalus and various clinical factors, including duration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Chronic hydrocephalus occurred in 25 patients (33%). The occurrence of hydrocephalus was associated with longer duration of CSF drainage (median, 13 days versus 9 days). By logistic regression analysis using significant factors, including age, preoperative neurological grade and Glasgow Outcome Scale, only the duration of drainage was independently associated with the occurrence of hydrocephalus (Odds ratio = 1.18 per day; 95% confidence interval, 1.02- 1.36). These results indicate that long duration of CSF drainage for preventing vasospasm may increase the occurrence of hydrocephalus.     

A long-term ventricular drainage for patients with germ cell tumors or medulloblastoma

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus associated with intracranial germ cell tumors or disseminated medulloblastoma has been treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. However, this procedure has a potential risk of intraperitoneal metastasis of these brain tumors. To prevent this potential risk and to minimize the risk of infection, we developed a percutaneous long-tunneled ventricular drainage (PLTVD). To confirm the effectiveness, we retrospectively analyzed the results of this procedure. METHODS: From 1979 to 2003, we have treated 96 patients with germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma in our hospital. Of 96 patients, 59 (germ cell tumor, 31; medulloblastoma, 28) had hydrocephalus and 13 needed long-term cerebrospinal fluid drainage to manage the obstructive hydrocephalus due to persistent tumor or communicating hydrocephalus due to dissemination. We performed PLTVD for these cases using a flow-controlled shunt device and percutaneous long-tunneled shunt tube (peritoneal catheter) exiting at the upper abdomen and connecting to a closed drainage system. The occurrence of extraneural metastasis and the incidence of infection were evaluated. RESULTS: The average duration of drainage was 74 days (range, 34-115 days). All 13 cases received full-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy without infectious complications or extraneural metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous long-tunneled ventricular drainage was an effective method to manage long-lasting obstructive or communicating hydrocephalus with germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma.     

Biportal endoscopic removal of a primary intraventricular hematoma: case report.

Primary intraventricular hematomas account for approximately 6% of all intracerebral hematomas. If the clot blocks cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways, surgical intervention, which may be of different types, can be life-saving. In the case reported here, after careful preoperative planning the use of two rigid endoscopes permitted the removal of most of the intraventricular clot and restoration of CSF circulation by creation of a 3rd ventriculostomy within the same procedure and no later treatment was necessary. Repeated CT scans proved that only a small portion of the intraventricular clot remained in the ventricular system. The ventricular size normalised, and the patency of the artificial hole in the floor of the 3rd ventricle was demonstrated both by the rapidly improving clinical picture of the patient and by flow-sensitive MRI studies. For individuals who suffer primary intraventricular hemorrhage and later develop occlusive hydrocephalus, endoscopic removal of the clot and 3rd ventriculostomy might offer a more adequate treatment option than external ventricular drainage.     

Percutaneous treatment of retroperitoneal abscesses

The retroperitoneal abscess is an uncommon disease, that must be treated by drainage. The progressive use of the percutaneous drainage, under ultrasound or computed tomography guidance (CT), has changed the therapeutical management and has demonstrated to be a valid alternative to surgical drainage. From 1986 to 1998, 16 patients with retroperitoneal abscesses were treated by percutaneous drainage (14 with CT and 2 with ultrasound guidance). This method eradicated the abscess in 13 cases, in 2 was necessary a new function to cure the abscess, and 1 patient, with a severe sepsis, died. Percutaneous drainage was the unique treatment used in 12 patients. In the remaining four, the patients' clinical status improved after percutaneous drainage, and they were able to undergo subsequent elective nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage of retroperitoneal abscesses has been established as a viable alternative to surgical intervention. This method can resolve the abscess or improve the patient' clinical status to undergo elective surgery.