EVD/Ventric draining vs monitoring

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So can you monitor accurately and drain at the same time? Does it depend on a brand? I was always told it was one or the other but this place swears you can do both.

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Specializes in Research & Critical Care.

No. You'll get a number but it won't be accurate. ICP monitoring works by transmitting the actual pulsations to the transducer. If the drain is open then the tubing terminates in a chamber filled with air which would allow some of the pressure to be expelled. Think of pressure inside a hose when you put your thumb over it vs when it's open.

Pressure monitoring and air don't mix, whether it's in the tubing or at the end of it.

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Thanks! They also apparently had zeroed the EVD wrong too since they were discussing it 

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