Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-vsgnj Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-19T13:55:48.746Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Intracranial pressure monitoring

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2008

R. Stefini
Affiliation:
University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, *Department of Neurosurgery, Brescia, Italy
F. A. Rasulo*
Affiliation:
University of Brescia, Spedali CiviliInstitute of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Piazzale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
*
Correspondence to: Frank Rasulo, Institute of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1 – 25125 Brescia, Italy. E-mail: frank.rasulo@gmail.com; Tel: +39 030 3995 560; Fax: +39 030 3995 779
Get access

Summary

Recent studies have demonstrated that bedside cranial burr hole and insertion of intraparenchymal catheters for intracranial pressure monitoring performed by intensive care physicians is a safe procedure, with a complication rate comparable to other series published by neurosurgeons. The overall morbidity rate is comparable to, or even lower than, that caused by central vein catheterization. The procedure is also quite simple and modern disposable intracranial procedural kits are available. After the skin is prepped the landmark for skin incision, called the ‘Kocher’s point’, located about 2–4 cm lateral to the midline (mid-pupillary line) and 2–3 cm anterior to the coronal suture, is found. Then the surgical field is prepared with the sterile drapes and the skin infiltrated with local anaesthetic (0.5% lidocaine with 1 : 200 000 epinephrine). After skin incision and retraction of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the periosteum should be scraped off in order expose the skull. The skin is then divaricated, exposing the underlying bone. The hole is drilled with either an electric drill or a twist drill (the drilling procedure must be performed with the drill held within 10° of the perpendicular position to the incision site). The hole is then irrigated with sterile saline and an 18-G spinal needle may be used to open the dura (exercise caution when perforating the dura so as to avoid damage to the underlying structures). Following opening of the dura, the Bolt, containing a stylet, is screwed manually into the skull at approximately 5 mm to 1 cm for adults. The stylet is then removed after the bolt has been screwed in, after which the bolt should be filled with saline. Finally, the zeroing of the transducer is performed by simply holding the tip in air while zeroing on the monitor. The transducer is inserted inside the bolt and the screw tightened. The intracranial pressure value can then be read.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
Copyright © European Society of Anaesthesiology 2008

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Bochicchio, M, Latronico, N, Zappa, S. Bedside burr hole for intracranial pressure monitoring performed by intensive care physicians. A 5-year experience. Intensive Care Med 1996; 22: 10701074.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2.Harris, CH, Smith, RS, Helmer, SD. Placement of intracranial pressure monitors by non-neurosurgeons. Am Surg 2002; 68: 787790.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
3.Ko, KM, Conforti, A. Training protocol for intracranial pressure monitor placement by non neurosurgeons: 5-Year experience. J Trauma Injury Infect Crit Care 2003; 55: 480483.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Latronico, N, Marino, R, Rasulo, FA, Stefini, R, Schembari, M, Chandiani, A. Bedside burr hole for intracranial pressure monitoring performed by anaesthetist intensive-care physicians: extending the practice to the entire team. Minerva Anestesiol 2003; 69: 159168.Google Scholar