The Evolve Network 1 Group

A **Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Drainage Catheter** is a sterile, flexible tube used in a neurological or neurosurgical setting to temporarily or permanently divert and control the flow of CSF, the clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Its primary function is to manage and monitor **intracranial pressure (ICP)** by allowing for the controlled removal of excess fluid, a critical intervention in conditions such as hydrocephalus, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or following complex neurosurgical procedures. The placement and management of this catheter require meticulous technique and continuous monitoring to ensure patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.

CSF is continuously produced, circulated, and reabsorbed. An imbalance in this dynamic can lead to a dangerous buildup of pressure within the skull. CSF drainage catheters can be placed in two primary locations: **external ventricular drains (EVDs)** are placed directly into one of the brain's ventricles to drain excess fluid and monitor ICP directly, while **lumbar drains** are inserted into the subarachnoid space in the lower back (lumbar spine) to drain fluid from the spinal column. The type of drain used is determined by the patient's specific underlying pathology and the clinical goal, whether it is acute decompression or temporary pressure management.

The catheter is connected to an **external collection system** that includes a calibrated drainage bag and a three-way stopcock. Crucially, the entire system must be maintained at a specific height, often relative to the patient's external auditory meatus (ear canal), to create a pressure gradient that dictates the rate of drainage. This **leveling system** prevents both excessive drainage (**over-drainage**), which can cause complications like subdural hematomas or severe headaches, and insufficient drainage, which leads to persistently high ICP. Strict adherence to prescribed height and drainage volume limits is paramount for safe operation.

Although essential for pressure management, the use of CSF drainage catheters carries inherent risks, the most serious being **infection (meningitis)** due to the potential for pathogens to travel up the catheter from the skin. Therefore, aseptic technique during insertion and maintenance is non-negotiable, and the catheter is usually left in place for only a few days before being removed or converted to a permanent internal shunt system if chronic drainage is required. Other complications, such as bleeding, catheter migration, or CSF leakage at the insertion site, necessitate vigilant monitoring by the clinical care team to ensure the device performs its vital function without causing secondary harm.