Prediction of Undesired Obstruction in External Ventricular Drains.

Acute obstructive hydrocephalus often complicates intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The insertion of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is typically necessary in order to alleviate intracranial pressure by draining excess fluid. However, dysfunction of the EVD whether due to malposition or obstruction, can exacerbate hydrocephalus in an already compromised brain. EVD dysfunction must therefore be promptly detected and treated. Consequently, identifying high-risk patients and closely monitoring them is imperative. While IVH is known to increase the risk of obstruction in the natural cerebrospinal fluid outflow tract, its association with ventricular drain obstruction remains unproven.