Imaging characteristics of the subdural evacuating port system, a new bedside therapy for subacute/chronic subdural hematoma

Abstract

The Subdural Evacuating Port System is a new device intended to simplify the treatment of subacute/chronic subdural hematomas. The appearance of the winged canula positioned with its tip in the diploic space overlying the subdural space should allow the radiologist to identify it correctly. Its radiographic features are described here to help the radiologist comment on appropriate placement, and avoid mistaking it for a misplaced subdural drain.

Fig 1.

A, This image shows the metal device that is screwed into the burr hole. The threaded end (black arrow) is self-tapping. The notched tubing (white arrow) is then attached to the silicone tubing. B, This reformat of the CT data shows the metal insertion portion of the device orientation perpendicular to the skull.

Fig 2.

Oblique (A) and A-P (B) views, reformatted from CT data on a 3D workstation (Vitrea), demonstrate the winged canula and its relationship to the skull.

Fig 3.

The bone image from that same study shows the tip of the device positioned in the diploic space of the right calvaria (arrow).

Fig 4.

The reformatted 2D image demonstrates the relationships of the subdural hematoma (short arrows) and the device positioned in the skull (long arrow).