The SURGIWEAR “External CSF Drainage System" is designed to monitor & or drain cerebrospinal fluid to the outside body into a closed system. Each system contains one ventricular catheter / lumbar catheter and one collection system which includes a bag.
The systems are available for ventricular drainage and lumbar drainage. Catheters contain barium sulfate for x-ray detectability.
The Lumbar catheter has holes. The ventricular catheter has holes at one end. The end also has a black tantalum tip. It is to be connected with the collection system.
The collection system consists of a three-way stop cock, connecting tube, drip chamber, and collection bag. The catheter is to be connected with a three-way stop cock. Drip chamber is used to monitor the discharge rate by counting the drop rate.
The collection bag has two collection chambers, one small and another large. The fluid first comes to a small chamber. The small chamber is used to measure small quantities. When the chamber is full, it can be emptied, by tilting the bag, into the large chamber. The large chamber is used to measure a large quantity of fluid. The large chamber can be emptied, by tilting the bag, through the side discharge point.
The folding scale, provided on the bag, is for keeping track of the level of the bag and helps in lowering or lifting the position of the bag.
Indications-
- The “External CSF Drainage System" is to be used for external drainage of CSF, wherever indicated. Some of the principal indications are Posterior fossa tumor, hematomas posterior fossa, IV ventricle obstruction, cranial injuries, subdural hematomas, meningitis, ventriculitis, and subarachnoid hemorrhage into CSF and cerebral abscess. Reyes syndrome or similar encephalopathy and other cases where monitoring of CSF is required.
Method of use-
- The implantation of a catheter including placement may be accomplished through a variety of procedures. The choice depends upon the training of neurosurgeons, customs in that hospital, country. Therefore the surgeon is best advised to use the method, which his/her own practice and training dictate to be best for the patient
- Some indicative steps are as follows-
- All procedures should be done under operating room conditions.
- Insert the ventricular catheter/ lumbar catheter as is the practice of the physician.
- Make a subcutaneous tunnel to secure the catheter.
- Fill the tubing with saline and connect with the catheter.
- Place the dripping point of drip chamber, 5-10 cm above the drainage point. Adjust it according to requirements
- The stylet may be used to support ventricular catheter during implantation.
- 'External CSF Drainage System' contains one bag, one 30cm lumbar catheter with 14G Touhey needle connector, suture collar & connecting tube