Long Tunneled External Ventricular Drains with Shunt Valves: A Technical Note

-BACKGROUND: External ventricular drain (EVD) is a basic operation in neurosurgery. Due to the limitation of its safe duration, some patients need to receive multiple drainage operations. We describe the long tunneled EVD (LTEVD) with shunt valves that effectively avoid multiple operations as a technical note.-METHODS: The difference is that the middle part of the drainage tube is connected by an externalized shunt valve. The drainage tube is buried under the skin and the outlet is in the abdomen. The technique and more details are described.-RESULTS: The connection between the LTEVD and the shunt valve is simple and the required materials are easily accessible. Externalized valves allow the cerebrospinal fluid to be visualized and more controllable, making it easier for physicians to manage the cerebrospinal fluid. No drainage tube failure or secondary infection was observed. The indwelling time of the drainage tube was greatly extended.-CONCLUSIONS: LTEVD is effective and simple. It allows visual control of drainage flow, prolonging catheter indwelling time and eliminating the need for multiple surgeries.

Automated summary

This article introduces long tunneled external ventricular drain (LTEVD), which effectively avoids multiple surgeries by connecting an external shunt valve. It allows visual control of drainage flow, prolongs catheter indwelling time, and eliminates the need for multiple surgeries.