Pump-regulated cerebrospinal fluid drainage.
The drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lumbar subarachnoid space is an effective technique for the treatment of CSF fistula and control of intracranial pressure in children and adults. The use of the lumbar drain poses unique challenges, however, in the pediatric population. We present a safe and effective method of pump-controlled lumbar subarachnoid drainage. This technique allows accurate titration of CSF removal while providing a closed system which is not sensitive to position changes or patient activity. Four case histories are reviewed.
Vender
J R
JR
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. jvender@mail.mcg.edu
Houle
P
P
Flannery
A M
AM
Fryburg
K
K
Lee
M R
MR
D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D013353:Subdural Effusion / Q000601:surgery*