Continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure with a miniaturized fiberoptic device.

A No. 4 French fiberoptic catheter initially developed as an intravascular pressure sensor was incorporated into a system to be used as an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor. Initially, a series of acute and chronic animal experiments carried out in the rabbit and pig, respectively, demonstrated the reliability and safety of the device. Subsequently, this new monitor was compared to a concurrently functioning ICP monitor in 15 adult and five pediatric patients. This clinical experience also confirmed the safety, accuracy, and reliability of the device. Since these initial studies, this monitor has been used to routinely measure ICP in a large number of adult and pediatric patients. The monitor has functioned well, and there have been no complications related to its use except for an occasional problem with breakage of the optic fiber as a result of patient movement or nursing maneuvers, which has been easily corrected by replacement of the probe. As nursing personnel and ancillary services have become familiar with this new monitor, breakage has not been a problem. This new device can be placed into the ventricular system, the brain parenchyma, or the subdural space, and appears to offer substantial advantages over other monitors presently in use.