External Ventricular Drain (EVD) Troubleshooting for Neurosurgery Residents



Low Hanging Fruit

 • Has the system become disconnected accidentally?

 • Are all EVD stopcocks open?

 • Is the EVD correctly leveled (tragus)?

 • Is the setting correct? Andwith the correct (mmHg vs. cmH2O)?

 • Are there any obvious kinks in the tubing?

 • Is the EVD at the same location at the scalp?



"Two Tests" for Patency:

 • The Drop Test

 • The Raise Test



Distal Flushing



By Kristen Scheitler, MD @k_scheitler



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