Endoscopic neuroendoscopy using a novel ventricular access port

Background: Hydrocephalus remains an important aspect of neurosurgical care and in select circumstances, the endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) continues to remain an important treatment. In our initial experience of ETV using the commercially available plastic ventricular ports we found them both restrictive and expensive. Following this experience, we developed a stainless steel ventricular access port (VAP). We present our novel method of access involving this non-disposable ventricular port. Method: We have developed a series of custom-made, 316-grade stainless steel VAPs designed specifically for our ventricular endoscopes. Following a standard Burr-hole, cannulation of the lateral ventricle is performed inserting this port and removing the trocar allowing free access using a standard ventriculoscope without the requirement for disposable plastic ports. Since 2008 our unit has used a standard method of ventricular access using this device. We present our long-term experience of cases of endoscopic ventriculoscopy and ventriculostomy using this method of ventricular access. Results: From December 2008 to January 2016, 56 patients underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy using the stainless steel ventricular port. Two 2 patients (3.6%) had a recorded complication in the form of minor self-limiting intraventricular haemorrhage. No cases of infection or mortality were noted in this patient series. Conclusion: We demonstrate our long-term experience with a non-disposable VAP for ventricular access. This method remains safe with results that are comparable to published series. We suggest this method may be a less expensive and safe alternative to standard disposable methods of ventricular access.