Monoblock external ventricular drainage system in the treatment of patients with acute hydrocephalus: A pilot study

BACKGROUND Infection is a major complication in patients undergoing external ventricular drainage (EVD). Our study aimed to evaluate the incidence of infection in a series with the monoblock EVD system. MATERIAL AND METHODS 46 patients treated with EVD at our emergency department were analyzed prospectively to research the incidence of infections with a new EVD system. RESULTS The average rate of infection was 8.7%. When we stratified the patients according to the exclusive use of EVD without craniotomies, we identified a reduction in the overall incidence of ventriculitis from 8.7% to 2.3%. Age, etiology, and the presence of ventricular bleeding were not statistically significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Despite the small sample examined in this study, we believe that the monoblock system is a simple, inexpensive device that reduces accidental disconnection of the system.