Methods
One method is to use a sensor to monitor the cerebral spinal fluid pressure inside of the head. In this case, an epidural sensor is placed inside of the head, and positioned just above the epidural layer of the skull. This method is the least evasive, as it does not require the surgeon to drill all the way through the skull (reducing brain material exposure). The downside of this method is that cerebral spinal fluid cannot be drained to relieve pressure inside of the head of the patient (pressure can be monitored, but not reduced). Alternatively, a bolt is attached to the skull, allowing the sensor to record the subarachnoid level of the skull. This method allows for more accurate readings of cerebral spinal fluid pressure. To acquire an accurate measurement of intracranial pressure inside of the brain, insert a small tube, called an intraventricular catheter, into the frontal lobe area of the head (top right side of the head). In this method, insert the tube into a ventricle of the brain matter. The true difficulty, however, is when the head injury is so bad that the brain swells up around the ventricles, causing the ventricles to change shape. In this case, look for a ventricle that is not deformed, so that you can slip the threaded tubing of the catheter into the pore carefully.
Setting up the ICP Monitor
(Do not use this material for medical purposes. This is only an overview for setting up the ICP monitor.) Use the plastic tube (catheter) and bedside monitor to take readings of cerebral spinal fluid pressure encompassing the brain of the patient (analog signals are transmitted through a cable to the ICP monitor). Zero out the indicator/monitor, cable and catheter by holding down the zero button until the indictor reads 0 mmHg. Ensure that the bedside monitor connected by the cable also reads the same (if not, then zero out the bedside monitor (see manufacturer's instructions for the particular monitor). Use the monitor calibration button on the face of the ICP device to reset the host bedside monitor. Zero out the device in normal (ambient) light only. Place the cable and catheter into the fiber optic connector. The cable is what transmits signals from the pressure readings taken by the catheter.
When to Get ICP Monitoring
Find out whether or not you need to have ICP (intracranial pressure) monitoring performed on you or someone you know. Consult your physician. If you had a stroke, ask your physician if the stroke was considerably bad enough to justify an operation. A common cause for ICP monitoring is head injury. If the brain is suspected of hemorrhaging, then give the doctor permission to perform the operation (hemorrhaging leads to further damage to the brain). Sign the form of consent. You will be given anesthesia to dull the body's pain receptors prior to the operation.
Tags: bedside monitor, cerebral spinal, cerebral spinal fluid, spinal fluid, catheter into, fluid pressure, inside head