Validation of model-guided placement of external ventricular drains.

PURPOSE

Inaccurate placement of external ventricular drains (EVDs) is a common issue in cerebrospinal diversion procedures. The conventional freehand technique results in a high fraction of sub-optimally placed catheters, and the use of image guidance can improve these results. The purpose of this paper is the validation of the use of an average model for guidance of EVD procedures.

METHODS

Three neurosurgeons have tested the model-based technique on three normal volunteers, and we have compared the model-based technique to the freehand technique and neuronavigation based on volunteer-specific images.

RESULTS

Our results show that the surgeons perform significantly better when using the model-based technique than when using the freehand technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the use of an average model may improve the accuracy of catheter placements. However, further refinement of the method and testing in a clinical setting is required.