Nikitas Nanidis1, Stefanos Korfias, Damianos E Sakas. 1. Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, Neurosurgical department of the University of Athens, D.Ralli str. 92-94, Piraeus, 18539, Greece, n_nanidis@hotmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A novel flow-regulated external drain (FRED) was devised to overcome the problems of the pressure-regulated systems and serial lumbar taps. METHODS: Eleven patients who underwent lumbar external drainage received a flow-regulated system using simple and inexpensive materials available in most hospital settings. RESULTS: The system proved to be reliable at removing a set amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We did not encounter any serious complications in its application. CONCLUSIONS: The FRED system offered better patient compliance and comfort, providing them with greater mobility, while maintaining a safer steady removal of a set amount of CSF. In opposition to the pressure-regulated systems, we describe the possible indications, advantages and disadvantages of a flow regulated device. Extensive clinical trials are needed to study the use of FRED in patients with different CSF circulation physiology, pressure and composition.
BACKGROUND: A novel flow-regulated external drain (FRED) was devised to overcome the problems of the pressure-regulated systems and serial lumbar taps. METHODS: Eleven patients who underwent lumbar external drainage received a flow-regulated system using simple and inexpensive materials available in most hospital settings. RESULTS: The system proved to be reliable at removing a set amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We did not encounter any serious complications in its application. CONCLUSIONS: The FRED system offered better patient compliance and comfort, providing them with greater mobility, while maintaining a safer steady removal of a set amount of CSF. In opposition to the pressure-regulated systems, we describe the possible indications, advantages and disadvantages of a flow regulated device. Extensive clinical trials are needed to study the use of FRED in patients with different CSF circulation physiology, pressure and composition.
Authors: Hussein Fathalla; Antonio Di Ieva; John Lee; Jennifer Anderson; Rowan Jing; Michael Solarski; Michael D Cusimano Journal: Neurosurg Rev Date: 2016-08-24 Impact factor: 3.042