Removing an EVD

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Hello everyone!

I am hoping to seek guidance regarding what other hospitals do when removing an External Ventricular Drain catheter. In most of the resources I have Googled and searched, it is always alluded to that an MD removes the drain either in OR or at Bedside, or an advanced pracitioner such as an NP or PA does so. Try as I might, I cannot seem to find any literature or resource that states a Registered Nurse may remove the drain. I have also been trying to search Board of Nursing sites, but nothing definative has appeared.

What is the practice in other Neruoscience ICUs out there? How do you all remove EVDs in your facilities?

If possible, please send me links to whatever resources you have regarding this topic

Please let me know! I would love to understand how best to approach this topic

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Specializes in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery.

Our neurosurgeons remove them.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.

Ditto. They're removed by the NSG residents.

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Specializes in ICU.

Neurosurgery residents or Neurosurgery NP's remove them. No removal by RNs.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Occasionally, the RN will remove them, but it is most commonly removed by neurosurgery.

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Neurosurgeon, nurses need to make sure physicians are aware of patient status prior to removal.. do not be let them remove ventric if patient has not yet been weaned off ventilator! (Coughing will most likely raise ICP's) the result will be brain infarction with herniation.. brain death.

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Specializes in CRNA.

Neurosurgery. I currently have a pt that is on a Ventric and they will be going for a VP shunt today so the neurosurgeon will remove the EVD then place the VP shunt.

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NSGY residents. That is, unless the patient gets to it.

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RN can remove them but (any) doctor needs to place a stich at the insertiin site.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
NSGY residents. That is, unless the patient gets to it.

LoL...I know, Right??!!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

In my experience, only the MDs, NP/PAs are allowed to discontinue EVDs. I am not aware of any facility that allows their nurses to do this and honestly, there is such a high rick of bleeding that I don't think this is within the scope of practice of a regular nurse; but again, always check your facility policy.

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