A simple solution for navigated placement of CSF catheters in slit-like or displaced ventricles

• Main Authors: Thomale, UW, Schlosser, HG, Sprung, C
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: German Medical Science; Düsseldorf, Köln 2006
• Subjects: navigation; hydrocephalus; ventricular peritoneal shunt; pseudotumor cerebri; ddc: 610; The Pointers
• Online Access: http://www.egms.de/en/journals/curac/2006-1/curac000005.shtml

Introduction: For cases of slit-like ventricles we report of a simple solution for accurate placement of CSF catheters using neuronavigation.Methods: We developed a navigated stainless steel tube for accurate ventricular catheter placement. Feasibility of the tube in an experimental condition was investigated. Navigated ventricular catheter placement was performed in four patients. Cranial CT scans were acquired to plan the optimal trajectory for a catheter placement within a workstation. Intra-operatively, the CSF catheter was placed via the navigated tube mounted in a rigid position. CT scans were performed to prove correct catheter positioning. Results: Integration of the tube within the navigation procedure was accurate compared to the pointers orientation. In all patients the correct placement of the ventricular catheter was achieved instantly. Post-operative CT imaging verified ideal catheter position. Conclusion: The navigated tube is a simple and easy-to-use solution for exact catheter placement assisted by neuronavigation.