A technique for removal of an adherent ventricular catheter.

A method of freeing the attachment of the intraventricular catheter to the ventricular ependyma or chorioid plexus is described. A metal ventricular cannula is inserted into the lumen of the ventricular catheter and a cutting current from a unipolar diathermy is applied to the distal end. The cutting effect at the interventricular end of the metal cannula effectively lyses the adhesions and permits safe removal of the ventricular catheter without subsequent bleeding.