A simple technique to limit ICP catheter infection

The Brain Trauma Foundation. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care. Recommendations for intracranial pressure monitoring technology

In patients who require ICP monitoring, a ventricular catheter connected to an external strain gauge transducer or catheter tip pressure transducer device is the most accurate reliable method of monitoring ICP and enables therapeutic CSF drainage. Clinically significant infections or hemorrhage associated with ICP devices causing patient morbidity are rare and should not deter the decision to monitor ICP. Parenchymal catheter tip pressure transducer devices measure ICP similar to ventricular ICP pressure but have the potential for significant measurement differences and drift due to the inability to recalibrate. These devices are advantageous when ventricular ICP is not obtained or if there is obstruction in the fluid couple. Subarachnoid or subdural fluid coupled devices and epidural ICP devices are currently less accurate.