Work

Evaluation of a Novel Automated Cerebral Ventricular Drainage System for Intracranial Pressure Monitoring and Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage in Neurocritical Care Patients: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neurointensive care is moving toward more automated patient management. This study aimed to evaluate a novel external ventricular drainage (EVD) system, the VGuard® system, as a tool for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and automating ventricular drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), focusing on its safety and potential to reduce complications associated with manual EVD management. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery at Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Patients (aged > 18 years) with different acute brain pathologies requiring an EVD were enrolled and randomized (1:1) to receive the VGuard® system or a manual EVD. Both systems employed a ventricular probe for simultaneous intraventricular and intraparenchymal ICP monitoring. Measurement accuracy was determined by comparing the median of absolute difference in ICP, using the Mann-Whitney U test. To further investigate the accuracy of ICP measuring, a post hoc Spearman correlation test was applied. In addition, as part of a post hoc analysis, we evaluated patient outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The VGuard® system demonstrated significantly better accuracy in ICP measurements compared with the manual EVD; median absolute difference: 1.07 versus 2.88, p < 0.001; median Spearman correlation coefficients: 0.81 versus 0.48, p < 0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in patient outcomes [mortality, Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), median time with the EVD, and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay], or adverse events (AE). No serious adverse events were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate the VGuard® system, showing results of increased accuracy in measured ICP compared with the manual EVD. The VGuard® system offers an automated EVD solution, representing a step toward increased neurointensive care automation.

Source: Neurocritical Care

DOI: 10.1007/s12028-026-02477-4

Authors: Josefine Maria Öhman, Niklas Marklund, David Cederberg

Institutions: Lund University, Skåne University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,690