Infections Associated with Medtronic Duet External Ventricular Drains - Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, January 2023-January 2024.

External ventricular drains (EVDs) are medical devices that are inserted into the ventricles of the brain to drain excess fluid, manage intracranial hypertension, monitor intracranial pressure, and administer medications. Unintentional disconnections and breaks or fractures (breaks) of EVDs or associated drainage system components can result in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and increased risk for EVD-associated infections. After replacement of Integra Life Sciences EVD systems with Medtronic Duet EVD systems at Rhode Island Hospital in mid-September 2023, a threefold increase was observed in the prevalence of positive CSF cultures, from 2.

Risk factors and outcomes associated with external ventricular drain infections.

Background: Insertion of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is a common neurosurgical procedure which may lead to serious complications including infection. Some risk factors associated with EVD infection are well established. Others remain less certain, including specific indications for placement, prior neurosurgery, and prior EVD placement.