Measurement of ICP (Intracranial Pressure) in the Brain

The continuous measurement of the ICP (intracranial pressure) is an invasive procedure used to determine the pressure inside the cranium.

Indications of ICP Measurement

Due to the limited expansion volume of the brain on account of the firm cranium, the ICP increases as the volume increases inside the cranium. Therefore, a precise monitoring of the pressure in the inside of the cranium is very important, because the clinical symptoms are initially unspecific.
Indications for measuring the ICP are:

Severe craniocerebral injury
Significant subarachnoid bleeding
Tumors
Strokes
Hydrocephalus

Intraparenchyma and intraventricular cranial bleedings
Severe meningitis
For all polytraumatized patients
For all coma patients with unknown etiology

ICP Measuring Locations

The ICP (intracranial pressure) can be measured at different locations in the brain.

For measuring the ICP in the parenchyma, the NEUROVENT-P catheter measures the pressure directly in the brain tissue.

Various types of ventricular catheters are available for direct measurement of pressure in the ventricles. Due to the additional drainage function of the NEUROVENT catheter, excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is drained from the ventricles. When draining the CSF. the elevated ICP is being lowered at the same time. Implantation of ventricular catheters is facilitated by various application tools such as a stylet or a guide wire. The NEUROVENT-Sleeve Housing is a unique design which enables ICP measurement in the parenchyma and CSF drainage in the ventricle. As an alternative, the NEUROVENT VP 16 is available for neuronavigation by means of a stylet.

To record the epidural pressure, the NEURODUR catheter is placed directly on the dura. The ICP is measured indirectly via the elastic dura.