Caring of Neurosurgical Patients with External Ventricular Drain

Abstract

An external ventricular drain (EVD), also known as a ventriculostomy or
extraventricular drain, is a device used in neurosurgery to treat hydrocephalus
which can lead to raised intracranial pressure when the normal flow of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the brain is obstructed. An EVD is a flexible plastic
catheter placed by a neurosurgeon or neurointensivist and managed by intensive
care unit (ICU) physicians and nurses. The purpose of external ventricular
drainage is to divert fluid from the ventricles of the brain and allow for monitoring
of intracranial pressure Nurses are responsible for the care of patients who have
external ventricular drains. This article explains how the drains work and discusses
key nursing considerations for their management.