REVIEW   

Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences 2022 February;66(1):62-6

DOI: 10.23736/S0390-5616.21.05421-7

Copyright © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

An early analysis of Codman® CerebroFlo® Endexo coated ventricular catheters in the setting of intraventricular hemorrhage

Brian FIANI ¹ ✉, Ryan JARRAH ²

¹ Department of Neurosurgery, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA, USA; ² Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

Intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH) are a potentially fatal diagnosis that must be managed properly to avoid devastating complications. While existing catheters have offered relative success, their reactive composition makes them prone to eventual obstruction and thrombotic activation. This problematic outcome has led to emergence of the Codman^® CerebroFlo^® EVD Catheter (Integra LifeSciences, Princeton, NJ, USA). This catheter is the first of its kind to incorporate the Endexo additive, a slightly reactive, surface modifying molecule that prevents protein adhesion and biomatter accumulation. Despite the promising early outcomes, there are no PubMed articles characterizing this device, with minimal literature highlighting its clinical value. Through a contemporary literature review, the authors will characterize the technological principles, indications, and advantages of this novel device. The authors reported the early findings of this catheter, with studies showing 99% reduction in thrombotic activity with an additional 89% reduction in catheter obstruction compared to its competitors. Areas of uncertainty regarding this device are discussed, with its lack of antibiotic coating being a possible area for clinical concern. In conclusion, the CerebroFlo^® catheter is a novel and effective tool in the management of IVH that should be widely considered for the management of IVH.

KEY WORDS: Catheters; Drainage; Ventriculostomy; Hemorrhage