Complications of invasive intracranial pressure monitoring devices in neurocritical care

Abstract

Intracranial pressure monitoring devices have become the standard of care for the management of patients with pathologies associated with intracranial hypertension. Given the importance of invasive intracranial monitoring devices in the modern neurointensive care setting, gaining a thorough understanding of the potential complications related to device placement-and misplacement-is crucial. The increased prevalence of intracranial pressure monitoring as a management tool for neurosurgical patients has led to the publication of a plethora of papers regarding their indications and complications. The authors aim to provide a concise review of key contemporary articles in the literature concerning important complications with the hope of elucidating practices that improve outcomes for neurocritically ill patients.

Keywords: AI = antibiotic impregnated; DVT = deep venous thrombosis; EVD = external ventricular drain; ICP = intracranial pressure; ICPM = ICP monitor; ICU = intensive care unit; OR = operating room; SAH = subarachnoid hemorrhage; TBI = traumatic brain injury; VAI = ventriculostomy-associated infection; VTE = venous thromboembolism; complications; considerations; hemorrhage; infection; intracranial monitoring; neurocritical care.