MediGence: Enabling Better Health Decisions

External Ventricular Drain (EVD) insertion is perhaps one of the most common and crucial lifesaving procedures in the neurology intensive care unit. The continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion provided by an EVD are beneficial in a variety of acute brain injuries. Following insertion, EVD monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting are mainly the duty of the nurse.

The temporary drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lateral ventricles of the brain or the lumbar area of the spine into an external collection bag is known as external drainage and monitoring. Using a mix of gravity and intracerebral pressure, an external ventricular drainage (EVD) system drains CSF. The rate of drainage is determined by the height of the EVD system in relation to the patient's anatomy.

In neurocritical care, EVDs are used to:

Reduce high intracranial pressure (ICP)
CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) that has become infectious should be drained
After surgery or a haemorrhage, drain any crimson CSF or blood
Keep an eye on the CSF flow rate
Patients undergoing open TAA/TAAA repair surgery or who become symptomatic after surgery should have their CSF removed

The EVD tube is attached to a collection system that allows the CSF to drain into a bag suspended from a pole. The pressure levels are set by the surgeon in order to maintain proper cerebral fluid pressure. The EVD zero line is adjusted by the patient's nurse to be level with the patient's ear.

They'll adjust the sliding chamber to the surgeon's specifications in order to maintain appropriate brain fluid pressure.
During surgery, the EVD is inserted by a surgeon. A healthcare provider will shave a small section of the patient's head after they have been given drugs to help them sleep. The surgeon shaves the skin and then drills a small hole in the skull to place the tube into one of the ventricles (fluid-filled area). The tube is then stitched under the skin.

It takes three to four days to recover from an EVD placement. The majority of patients are able to leave the hospital within seven days of the treatment.

During your stay in the hospital, your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored, and your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to keep you healthy. Before you depart, your doctor will double-check that the shunt is functioning appropriately.