Clinical comparison of the Spiegelberg parenchymal transducer and ventricular fluid pressure

Abstract

The Spiegelberg brain pressure catheter is a low cost implantable intracranial pressure measuring system which has the unique ability to perform regular automatic zeroing. A new version of the catheter has become available with a subdural bolt fixation to allow insertion of the device into the brain parenchyma. The accuracy of this system has been evaluated in comparison with a ventricular fluid pressure method in a series of patients to determine its accuracy and utility in the clinical environment.Hourly readings from the Spiegelberg system have been compared with those obtained using a standard pressure transducer connected to an external ventricular drain. Measurements continued while there was a clinical need for CSF drainage.Eleven patients were recruited to the study and data were recorded for periods ranging from 40 to 111 hours. A good agreement between the two systems was obtained. In 10 cases the mean diVerence was less than ±1.5 mm Hg and the dynamic changes in value were contemporaneous. In one case an intracerebral haemorrhage developed around the tips of the Spiegelberg catheter and significant diVerences occurred between the two methods of measurement.In conclusion, the Spiegelberg parenchymal transducer provides an accurate measurement of intracranial pressure when compared with ventricular pressure. The transducer was found to be robust in the clinical environment and very popular with the nursing staV. Further studies may determine whether the complication rate of this system is comparable with other available devices. (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001;71:383-385)

Monitoring and interpretation of intracranial pressure

“…12 This problem has been addressed in the balloon-like Spiegelberg transducer which may zero itself every set time interval, although its limited bandwidth may make most of the methods used for the ICP waveform analysis impossible. 13 Contemporary epidural sensors are much more reliable than 10 years ago. But the question as to whether epidural pressure can express ICP with confidence and under all circumstances is still unanswered.…”

Outcome of severe traumatic brain injury: comparison of three monitoring approaches

“…8 A CPP of more than 70 mm Hg was maintained using one or more inotropic supports with a central venous pressure between 5 and 10 mg. 8 A CPP of more than 70 mm Hg was maintained using one or more inotropic supports with a central venous pressure between 5 and 10 mg.…”

Comparison of parenchymal and ventricular intracranial pressure readings utilizing a novel multi-parameter intracranial access system

“…Review of literature reveals a comparison study of the Spiegelberg parenchymal transducer and ventricular fluid pressure. Utilizing an air bladder technology for parenchymal ICP monitoring, this study showed good agreement between the readings from the Spiegelberg transducer with those from the ventricular drain (Chambers et al 2001). …”