3-Dimensional Simulation Videography for Instructional Placement of Bedside External Ventricular Drains.

Abstract

We present a narrated video simulation (Video 1) using 3-dimensional anatomic software demonstrating the proper landmarks and relevant neuroanatomy for successful bedside external ventricular drain placement. External ventricular drains are commonly inserted at the bedside for emergent intracranial pressure monitoring and/or treatment of elevated intracranial pressure by cerebrospinal fluid drainage.¹ Often, neurosurgical trainees perform this procedure early in their residency years.^2,3 The relationship of the ventricle to the external skull landmarks may be a difficult concept to grasp for junior trainees who have had limited procedural experience. Multiple catheter passes in attempt to cannulate the ventricle are associated with increased procedural risk to the patient.^2,4 Two common catheter misplacement locations leading to multiple catheter passes are lateral to the ventricle and anterior to the ventricle. In this video we highlight the relationship of the borders of the lateral ventricle to the insertion point at the skull during catheter placement. By using this resource for resident education, patient safety factors and resident procedural competence may be enhanced.