What is the purpose of an intraventricular drain in TBI?

• A. Monitor and control ICP and drain CSF
• B. Deliver antibiotics
• C. Administer hypertonic saline
• D. Measure brain tissue oxygen

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that an intraventricular drain provides direct access to the ventricular system to control intracranial pressure by draining CSF and to monitor ICP. By placing a catheter in the lateral ventricle, clinicians can continuously measure pressure with an external transducer and remove CSF when pressure is high or when hydrocephalus develops. This combination—ICP monitoring plus CSF drainage—is the main purpose in severe TBI, helping to prevent secondary brain injury from elevated ICP. While antibiotics can be given intraventricularly in certain infections, and other therapies like hypertonic saline may be used to lower ICP, they are not the primary functions of the drain. Measuring brain tissue oxygen relies on a separate parenchymal sensor, not the intraventricular drain. Additionally, overdrainage and infection are important risks to manage with this tool.