Interventional Spine

Scotty, J, Haynes, M.D.
Joseph, Beshay, M.D., Non ASSR Member
Matthew, Cherno, M.D., Non ASSR Member
David, P., Chason, M.D., Non ASSR Member

Poster

Purpose

To illustrate pertinent anatomy and technical performance of lumbar drain placement, as well as review clinical indications, management, and potential complications of lumbar drains.

Methods & Materials

1. Review common clinical indications for drain placement, as well as components of lumbar drain kit and setup.

2. Review pertinent anatomy and technique of lumbar drain placement under fluoroscopic guidance.

3. Discuss management and review potential complications of lumbar drains.

Results

Lumbar drains are a temporary means to reduce CSF pressure. Common indications for placement include preoperative or prophylactic placement, such as for patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, testing for efficacy of a CSF shunt, treatment of conditions that benefit from lowering of intracranial pressure such as CSF leak, and postsurgical reduction of intracranial pressure. While placement is most commonly performed at the bedside by the neurosurgery team, request is occasionally made for fluoroscopic guidance by the radiologist.

Conclusion

While lumbar drain placement is most commonly performed at the bedside by the neurosurgery team, fluoroscopic assistance is occasionally requested. Knowledge of proper technique for fluoroscopic drain placement by the radiologist is a useful tool to assist the neurosurgery team in difficult cases.