Monitoring ICP in the OR.

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, ER, Mental Health.

I am new to PACU and have been an ICU for 8 years. I recently recieved a patient in the PACU with a ventric that was connected to a pressure bag. I have never experienced it being set up with a pressure bag and have been taught that it was contraindicated. The reason being is that the pressure bag adds 2 mls an hour to keep the line open. Unfortunately the pressure bag also was heparinized. I immediately stated my concerns and then spoke with Anesthesia in regards to my concerns. They stated that this is normal in the OR, because the drainage system is open. They monitor the ICP for brief periods and then shut it off. Does anyone have any resources in regards to this? Is this contraindicated to attach a pressure bag? I believe the heparin is an unsafe practice d/t many reasons i.e. HIT and bleed to be the most concern.:confused::confused:

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I have NEVER used a pressure bag (and with heparin??:eek:) with Ventrics. Dosen't make any sense. We have the transducer on the EVD set up and transduce to the monitor. All they have to do to measure is turn the stop cock off to drainage and measure and re open. I still cannot believe the neurosurgeon didn't say anything. What are they thinking?

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Our neurosurgeons would have been so ****** if they would see that

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

http://www.noahslifewithhydrocephalus.com/mediac/400_0/media/DSC02294.JPG

In this link shows a child with a EVD in place. There is no pressure bag. This system is different because we use Integara drains. But maybe this will help. icufaqs.org has good info on EVD's and ICP monitoring as well.

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