Lumbar Drainage Compared With Extraventricular Drainage of Cerebral Spinal Fluid in Treatment of Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary

Vasospasm is a common complication after rupture of intracranial aneurysms causing devastating neurologic deficits and death. Vasospasm has been directly associated with the amount of subarachnoid blood inside the basal cisterns. Prior literature has attempted to refine treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms but does not have clear guidelines on the optimal method to drain subarachnoid blood. Two methods, extraventricular drain (EVD) and lumbar drain (LD) have been compared retrospectively yet remain controversial as to which method is optimal in reducing subarachnoid blood and preventing vasospasm. This study would be a prospective randomized trial in which patients would be assigned to EVD or LD and observed to see if one method of intervention is associated with preventing clinical vasospasm, decreasing subarachnoid blood, shortening overall ICU stay, and reducing the need for a permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The conclusions of this study may identify an optimal treatment modality to benefit all future patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18–110 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Device
  Extraventricular Drain

  As mentioned above, intervention will take place to promote subarachnoid blood diversion from cerebrospinal fluid after ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

• Device
  Lumbar Drain

Location