Placement of intracranial pressure monitors by neurointensivists: case series and a systematic review

Abstract

Primary objective: Placement of an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor to guide the management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been historically performed by neurosurgeons. It is hypothesized that ICP monitors can be placed by non-surgeon neurointensivists, with placement success and complication rates comparable to neurosurgeons.

Research design: Retrospective review and systematic review of the literature.

Methods and procedures: This study reviewed the medical records of patients with TBI who required insertion of parenchymal ICP monitors performed by four neurointensivists in a large level I trauma centre. Patient data recorded were age, gender, CT findings, ICP monitor placement, location and length of placement, complications related to the ICP monitor and patient outcomes.

Main outcomes and results: Thirty-eight (38) monitors (Camino) were placed. Patients' average age was 43.0 years (SD = 21.6); 76% were males. The location of monitor was right frontal in 89% and left frontal in 11%. Mean ICP was 24 (SD = 15), duration of ICP monitor was 4.9 days (SD = 3.6). All monitors were placed successfully. There were no major technical complications, no episodes of major catheter-induced intracranial haemorrhage and no infectious complications. These findings were comparable to published outcomes from neurosurgeon placements.

Conclusions: It is believed that insertion of ICP monitors by neurointensivists is safe and may aid in providing prompt monitoring of patients with severe TBI.