An intraventricular catheter may become infected, resulting in ventriculitis. The risk of this complication is affected by a number of factors.
Factors associated with increased risk of infection:
(1) failure to use proper sterile technique at the time of insertion (sterile supplies, barrier, masks, gowns and caps)
(2) prolonged placement (> 11 days)
(3) CSF leakage
(4) frequent manipulation including irrigation and sampling
Factors associated with reduced risk of infection:
(1) use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters
(2) changing the dressing every 48 hours
(3) training the nurses in how to properly change the dressing
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Purpose: To identify risk factors associated with ventriculitis for a patient with an intraventricular catheter.
Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Neurology
Objective: risk factors
ICD-10: G04.9,
