🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 110 (from laksa118)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa110.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.ummhealth.org/health-library/having-an-external-ventricular-drain-evd\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.ummhealth.org/health-library/having-an-external-ventricular-drain-evd\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-library\/having-an-external-ventricular-drain-evd","crawl_time":1776185138,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,ummhealth!www,\/health-library\/having-an-external-ventricular-drain-evd s443","src_root_hash":"3203128818065089710","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Having an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) | UMass Memorial Health","meta_descriptions":["An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from your brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury. Too much fluid raises the pressure in and around the brain. An EVD helps reduce pressure in the brain to a safe level.\nHow to say it\nehks-TER-nuhl vehn-TRIH-kyoo-ler\nWhy is an EVD needed?\nCSF is a liquid that is in the brain cavities (ventricles) and around the brain and spinal cord. CSF is made by cells in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are spaces in the middle of the brain. Too much CSF can build up in the ventricles if the flow of fluid is blocked by a birth defect or an illness such as meningitis or bleeding. This is called hydrocephalus. In some cases, the ventricles may fill with blood because of an injury, a stroke, or another cause. Hydrocephalus increases pressure in the brain. Too much pressure in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and brain damage. An EVD drains some of the CSF or blood to restore a safe level of pressure in the brain.  It also allows the healthcare team to record the brain pressure (intracranial pressure). \nHow does an EVD work?\nA healthcare provider puts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the top of the skull into the center of the brain during a surgery or a procedure at bedside. Some EVDs are covered with an antibiotic. The tube is attached to a pouch nearby. The tube drains the extra fluid into the pouch. The amount of fluid is measured as it drains. The EVD is left in place as long as needed. This may be several days, a week, or longer.\nRisks of an EVD\nAll procedures have risks. The risks of an EVD include: \nProblems placing the tube in the right place in the brain\nInfection of CSF with bacteria or fungus\nToo much bleeding where the tube is inserted. This can happen when it is placed or when it is removed.\nBrain damage where the EVD is placed\nBlood clot that blocks the tube\nToo much fluid drained away\nEVD doesn't work as it should\nDuring EVD placement\nA neurosurgeon, a neurosurgery resident, or an intensivist will do the procedure. The surgery can be done in several ways. Ask the healthcare provider about the details of this surgery. In general, you can expect the following for your loved one:\nThey will be given medicine to help them relax (sedation), or medicine that lets them sleep through the surgery (general anesthesia). Or the medical team may inject anesthesia into the scalp. Antibiotics may be given during and after the surgery. This is to help prevent infection.\nThe healthcare team will trim the hair on top of the person's head. The surgeon makes a small cut (incision) in the skin.\nUsing a special drill, a surgeon drills a small hole in the bone of the skull. They then make a small incision in the layers covering the brain.\nThe surgeon puts a thin tube into the incision and then through the brain. In some cases, the surgeon may use computer-assisted imaging to help the tube reach the right place in the brain.\nThe surgeon then uses a small stitch (suture) on the skin of the scalp to hold the tube in place. A sterile dressing is put over the incision and the stitch.\nThe surgeon connects the tube to the pouch.\nWhile your loved one has an EVD\nThe healthcare team will check the amount of fluid in the pouch often. While an EVD is in place, antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. The CSF may also be checked regularly for signs of infection. Tell the healthcare team if your loved one has any symptoms that come back or get worse, such as nausea or confusion. \nWhen is an EVD removed?\nThe EVD is removed as soon as the healthcare team decides it’s safe to take out. In some cases, an EVD is replaced with a different tube called a VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt. This is an internal tube that drains the extra fluid to a place inside the belly (abdomen). This kind of tube can stay in place for a longer time. A VP shunt is put in place during a separate procedure. The healthcare team will tell you more if your loved one needs this.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-library\/having-an-external-ventricular-drain-evd#main-content)\n\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/careers)\n- [myChart](https:\/\/mychartonline.umassmemorial.org\/MyChart\/Authentication\/Login)\n- [Patients and Visitors](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors)\n- [Health Professionals](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-professionals)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/giving)\n\nI want to...\n\nChoose here\n\n- [Request Medical Records](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/medical-records)\n- [Volunteer](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/giving\/ways-to-give\/volunteer-services)\n- [Explore Careers](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/careers)\n- [Pay My Bill](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/pay-bills-online)\n- [Learn about Insurance Plans Accepted](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/insurance-information-patients)\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/physicians.umassmemorial.org\/)\n- [Make an Appointment](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/make-appointment)\n- [Go to Patients and Visitors](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors)\n- [Explore Mindfulness](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/center-mindfulness)\n- [Learn about myChart](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/mychart)\n- [Go to EpicCare Link](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-professionals\/epiccare-link)\n\nOpen translate options\n\nOpen Search\n\n![UMM Logo](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/ummh_logo_color.png)\n\n[855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763)](tel:8558627763)\n\n[![Home](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/ummh_logo_color.png)](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/)\n\nOpen Search\n\n![UMM Logo](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/ummh_logo_color.png)\n\nThe Clinical Partner of UMass Chan Medical School\n\n- [All Locations](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/locations)\n  \n  Toggle submenu\n  ## All Locations\n  [View all Locations](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/locations)\n  \n  Find a location by type, service, treatment or distance to you.\n  \n  - 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[Orthopedics](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/orthopedics)\n    - [Radiology and Imaging](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/radiology-and-imaging)\n    - [Gastroenterology](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/gastroenterology)\n    - [Primary Care](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/primary-care)\n    - [Diabetes](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/diabetes)\n    - [Heart and Vascular](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/heart-and-vascular-care)\n    - [Pediatrics](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments?field_entities_target_id=19)\n  \n  [Health Library](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-library)\n  \n  Your trusted resource for all types of health conditions, providing you the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health.\n  \n  [Simply Well](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/simply-well)\n  \n  Content to help you live healthy and well. Enhancing your lifestyle is part of our relentless pursuit of helping you live a healthy life.\n\nI want to...\n\nChoose here\n\n- [Request Medical Records](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/medical-records)\n- [Volunteer](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/giving\/ways-to-give\/volunteer-services)\n- [Explore Careers](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/careers)\n- [Pay My Bill](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/pay-bills-online)\n- [Learn about Insurance Plans Accepted](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/insurance-information-patients)\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/physicians.umassmemorial.org\/)\n- [Make an Appointment](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/make-appointment)\n- [Go to Patients and Visitors](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors)\n- [Explore Mindfulness](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/services-treatments\/center-mindfulness)\n- [Learn about myChart](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/mychart)\n- [Go to EpicCare Link](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-professionals\/epiccare-link)\n\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/careers)\n- [myChart](https:\/\/mychartonline.umassmemorial.org\/MyChart\/Authentication\/Login)\n- [Patients and Visitors](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/patients-visitors)\n- [Health Professionals](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-professionals)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/giving)\n\nThe Clinical Partner of UMass Chan Medical School\n\n# Having an External Ventricular Drain (EVD)\nAn external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from your brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury.\n\n## Breadcrumb\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/) ›\n2. [Health Library](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/health-library)\n\n[Facebook](\"Facebook\")\n\n[X](\"X\")\n\n[Linkedin](\"Linkedin\")\n\n[Email](\"Email\")\n\n[Copy Link](\"Copy Link\")\n\n[Print](\"Print\")\n\nAn external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury. Too much fluid raises the pressure in and around the brain. An EVD helps reduce pressure in the brain to a safe level.\n\n## How to say it\nehks-TER-nuhl vehn-TRIH-kyoo-ler\n\n## Why is an EVD needed?\nCSF is a liquid that is in the brain cavities (ventricles) and around the brain and spinal cord. CSF is made by cells in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are spaces in the middle of the brain. Too much CSF can build up in the ventricles if the flow of fluid is blocked by a birth defect or an illness such as meningitis or bleeding. This is called hydrocephalus. In some cases, the ventricles may fill with blood because of an injury, a stroke, or another cause. Hydrocephalus increases pressure in the brain. Too much pressure in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and brain damage. An EVD drains some of the CSF or blood to restore a safe level of pressure in the brain. It also allows the healthcare team to record the brain pressure (intracranial pressure).\n\n![Front view of man’s head and chest showing brain and ventricles.](https:\/\/umassmemorial.staywellhealthlibrary.com\/Search\/536776.img)\n\n## How does an EVD work?\nA healthcare provider puts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the top of the skull into the center of the brain during a surgery or a procedure at bedside. Some EVDs are covered with an antibiotic. The tube is attached to a pouch nearby. The tube drains the extra fluid into the pouch. The amount of fluid is measured as it drains. The EVD is left in place as long as needed. This may be several days, a week, or longer.\n\n## Risks of an EVD\nAll procedures have risks. The risks of an EVD include:\n\n- Problems placing the tube in the right place in the brain\n- Infection of CSF with bacteria or fungus\n- Too much bleeding where the tube is inserted. This can happen when it is placed or when it is removed.\n- Brain damage where the EVD is placed\n- Blood clot that blocks the tube\n- Too much fluid drained away\n- EVD doesn't work as it should\n\n## During EVD placement\nA neurosurgeon, a neurosurgery resident, or an intensivist will do the procedure. The surgery can be done in several ways. Ask the healthcare provider about the details of this surgery. In general, you can expect the following for your loved one:\n\n- They will be given medicine to help them relax (sedation), or medicine that lets them sleep through the surgery (general anesthesia). Or the medical team may inject anesthesia into the scalp. Antibiotics may be given during and after the surgery. This is to help prevent infection.\n- The healthcare team will trim the hair on top of the person's head. The surgeon makes a small cut (incision) in the skin.\n\n- Using a special drill, a surgeon drills a small hole in the bone of the skull. They then make a small incision in the layers covering the brain.\n- The surgeon puts a thin tube into the incision and then through the brain. In some cases, the surgeon may use computer-assisted imaging to help the tube reach the right place in the brain.\n- The surgeon then uses a small stitch (suture) on the skin of the scalp to hold the tube in place. A sterile dressing is put over the incision and the stitch.\n- The surgeon connects the tube to the pouch.\n\n## While your loved one has an EVD\nThe healthcare team will check the amount of fluid in the pouch often. While an EVD is in place, antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. The CSF may also be checked regularly for signs of infection. Tell the healthcare team if your loved one has any symptoms that come back or get worse, such as nausea or confusion.\n\n## When is an EVD removed?\nThe EVD is removed as soon as the healthcare team decides it’s safe to take out. In some cases, an EVD is replaced with a different tube called a VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt. This is an internal tube that drains the extra fluid to a place inside the belly (abdomen). This kind of tube can stay in place for a longer time. A VP shunt is put in place during a separate procedure. The healthcare team will tell you more if your loved one needs this.\n\nContent provided by WebMD Ignite (“WebMD”) is intended for general, informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied on solely for clinical decisions. WebMD makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy, reliability of our Content, however; users understand that information contained in the Content may become outdated or incomplete due to new research, findings or clinical guidelines. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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All rights reserved.\n\n![Woosox Logo](https:\/\/www.ummhealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/large\/public\/2024-04\/woosox_logo.png.webp?itok=o27TJAdb)\n\nExclusive Health Care Provider of the Worcester Red Sox.","attrs_readable_markdown":"An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury. Too much fluid raises the pressure in and around the brain. An EVD helps reduce pressure in the brain to a safe level.\n\n## How to say it\nehks-TER-nuhl vehn-TRIH-kyoo-ler\n\n## Why is an EVD needed?\nCSF is a liquid that is in the brain cavities (ventricles) and around the brain and spinal cord. CSF is made by cells in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are spaces in the middle of the brain. Too much CSF can build up in the ventricles if the flow of fluid is blocked by a birth defect or an illness such as meningitis or bleeding. This is called hydrocephalus. In some cases, the ventricles may fill with blood because of an injury, a stroke, or another cause. Hydrocephalus increases pressure in the brain. Too much pressure in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and brain damage. An EVD drains some of the CSF or blood to restore a safe level of pressure in the brain. It also allows the healthcare team to record the brain pressure (intracranial pressure).\n\n![Front view of man’s head and chest showing brain and ventricles.](https:\/\/umassmemorial.staywellhealthlibrary.com\/Search\/536776.img)\n\n## How does an EVD work?\nA healthcare provider puts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the top of the skull into the center of the brain during a surgery or a procedure at bedside. Some EVDs are covered with an antibiotic. The tube is attached to a pouch nearby. The tube drains the extra fluid into the pouch. The amount of fluid is measured as it drains. The EVD is left in place as long as needed. This may be several days, a week, or longer.\n\n## Risks of an EVD\nAll procedures have risks. The risks of an EVD include:\n\n- Problems placing the tube in the right place in the brain\n- Infection of CSF with bacteria or fungus\n- Too much bleeding where the tube is inserted. This can happen when it is placed or when it is removed.\n- Brain damage where the EVD is placed\n- Blood clot that blocks the tube\n- Too much fluid drained away\n- EVD doesn't work as it should\n\n## During EVD placement\nA neurosurgeon, a neurosurgery resident, or an intensivist will do the procedure. The surgery can be done in several ways. Ask the healthcare provider about the details of this surgery. In general, you can expect the following for your loved one:\n\n- They will be given medicine to help them relax (sedation), or medicine that lets them sleep through the surgery (general anesthesia). Or the medical team may inject anesthesia into the scalp. Antibiotics may be given during and after the surgery. This is to help prevent infection.\n- The healthcare team will trim the hair on top of the person's head. The surgeon makes a small cut (incision) in the skin.\n\n- Using a special drill, a surgeon drills a small hole in the bone of the skull. They then make a small incision in the layers covering the brain.\n- The surgeon puts a thin tube into the incision and then through the brain. In some cases, the surgeon may use computer-assisted imaging to help the tube reach the right place in the brain.\n- The surgeon then uses a small stitch (suture) on the skin of the scalp to hold the tube in place. A sterile dressing is put over the incision and the stitch.\n- The surgeon connects the tube to the pouch.\n\n## While your loved one has an EVD\nThe healthcare team will check the amount of fluid in the pouch often. While an EVD is in place, antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. The CSF may also be checked regularly for signs of infection. Tell the healthcare team if your loved one has any symptoms that come back or get worse, such as nausea or confusion.\n\n## When is an EVD removed?\nThe EVD is removed as soon as the healthcare team decides it’s safe to take out. In some cases, an EVD is replaced with a different tube called a VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt. This is an internal tube that drains the extra fluid to a place inside the belly (abdomen). This kind of tube can stay in place for a longer time. A VP shunt is put in place during a separate procedure. The healthcare team will tell you more if your loved one needs this.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Having an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) \| UMass Memorial Health
Meta Description	An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from your brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury.
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Boilerpipe Text	An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury. Too much fluid raises the pressure in and around the brain. An EVD helps reduce pressure in the brain to a safe level. How to say it ehks-TER-nuhl vehn-TRIH-kyoo-ler Why is an EVD needed? CSF is a liquid that is in the brain cavities (ventricles) and around the brain and spinal cord. CSF is made by cells in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are spaces in the middle of the brain. Too much CSF can build up in the ventricles if the flow of fluid is blocked by a birth defect or an illness such as meningitis or bleeding. This is called hydrocephalus. In some cases, the ventricles may fill with blood because of an injury, a stroke, or another cause. Hydrocephalus increases pressure in the brain. Too much pressure in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and brain damage. An EVD drains some of the CSF or blood to restore a safe level of pressure in the brain. It also allows the healthcare team to record the brain pressure (intracranial pressure). How does an EVD work? A healthcare provider puts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the top of the skull into the center of the brain during a surgery or a procedure at bedside. Some EVDs are covered with an antibiotic. The tube is attached to a pouch nearby. The tube drains the extra fluid into the pouch. The amount of fluid is measured as it drains. The EVD is left in place as long as needed. This may be several days, a week, or longer. Risks of an EVD All procedures have risks. The risks of an EVD include: Problems placing the tube in the right place in the brain Infection of CSF with bacteria or fungus Too much bleeding where the tube is inserted. This can happen when it is placed or when it is removed. Brain damage where the EVD is placed Blood clot that blocks the tube Too much fluid drained away EVD doesn't work as it should During EVD placement A neurosurgeon, a neurosurgery resident, or an intensivist will do the procedure. The surgery can be done in several ways. Ask the healthcare provider about the details of this surgery. In general, you can expect the following for your loved one: They will be given medicine to help them relax (sedation), or medicine that lets them sleep through the surgery (general anesthesia). Or the medical team may inject anesthesia into the scalp. Antibiotics may be given during and after the surgery. This is to help prevent infection. The healthcare team will trim the hair on top of the person's head. The surgeon makes a small cut (incision) in the skin. Using a special drill, a surgeon drills a small hole in the bone of the skull. They then make a small incision in the layers covering the brain. The surgeon puts a thin tube into the incision and then through the brain. In some cases, the surgeon may use computer-assisted imaging to help the tube reach the right place in the brain. The surgeon then uses a small stitch (suture) on the skin of the scalp to hold the tube in place. A sterile dressing is put over the incision and the stitch. The surgeon connects the tube to the pouch. While your loved one has an EVD The healthcare team will check the amount of fluid in the pouch often. While an EVD is in place, antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. The CSF may also be checked regularly for signs of infection. Tell the healthcare team if your loved one has any symptoms that come back or get worse, such as nausea or confusion. When is an EVD removed? The EVD is removed as soon as the healthcare team decides it’s safe to take out. In some cases, an EVD is replaced with a different tube called a VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt. This is an internal tube that drains the extra fluid to a place inside the belly (abdomen). This kind of tube can stay in place for a longer time. A VP shunt is put in place during a separate procedure. The healthcare team will tell you more if your loved one needs this.
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The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury. ## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](https://www.ummhealth.org/) › 2. [Health Library](https://www.ummhealth.org/health-library) [Facebook]("Facebook") [X]("X") [Linkedin]("Linkedin") [Email]("Email") [Copy Link]("Copy Link") [Print]("Print") An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury. Too much fluid raises the pressure in and around the brain. An EVD helps reduce pressure in the brain to a safe level. ## How to say it ehks-TER-nuhl vehn-TRIH-kyoo-ler ## Why is an EVD needed? CSF is a liquid that is in the brain cavities (ventricles) and around the brain and spinal cord. CSF is made by cells in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are spaces in the middle of the brain. Too much CSF can build up in the ventricles if the flow of fluid is blocked by a birth defect or an illness such as meningitis or bleeding. This is called hydrocephalus. In some cases, the ventricles may fill with blood because of an injury, a stroke, or another cause. Hydrocephalus increases pressure in the brain. Too much pressure in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and brain damage. An EVD drains some of the CSF or blood to restore a safe level of pressure in the brain. It also allows the healthcare team to record the brain pressure (intracranial pressure). ![Front view of man’s head and chest showing brain and ventricles.](https://umassmemorial.staywellhealthlibrary.com/Search/536776.img) ## How does an EVD work? A healthcare provider puts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the top of the skull into the center of the brain during a surgery or a procedure at bedside. Some EVDs are covered with an antibiotic. The tube is attached to a pouch nearby. The tube drains the extra fluid into the pouch. The amount of fluid is measured as it drains. The EVD is left in place as long as needed. This may be several days, a week, or longer. ## Risks of an EVD All procedures have risks. The risks of an EVD include: - Problems placing the tube in the right place in the brain - Infection of CSF with bacteria or fungus - Too much bleeding where the tube is inserted. This can happen when it is placed or when it is removed. - Brain damage where the EVD is placed - Blood clot that blocks the tube - Too much fluid drained away - EVD doesn't work as it should ## During EVD placement A neurosurgeon, a neurosurgery resident, or an intensivist will do the procedure. The surgery can be done in several ways. Ask the healthcare provider about the details of this surgery. In general, you can expect the following for your loved one: - They will be given medicine to help them relax (sedation), or medicine that lets them sleep through the surgery (general anesthesia). Or the medical team may inject anesthesia into the scalp. Antibiotics may be given during and after the surgery. This is to help prevent infection. - The healthcare team will trim the hair on top of the person's head. The surgeon makes a small cut (incision) in the skin. - Using a special drill, a surgeon drills a small hole in the bone of the skull. They then make a small incision in the layers covering the brain. - The surgeon puts a thin tube into the incision and then through the brain. In some cases, the surgeon may use computer-assisted imaging to help the tube reach the right place in the brain. - The surgeon then uses a small stitch (suture) on the skin of the scalp to hold the tube in place. A sterile dressing is put over the incision and the stitch. - The surgeon connects the tube to the pouch. ## While your loved one has an EVD The healthcare team will check the amount of fluid in the pouch often. While an EVD is in place, antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. The CSF may also be checked regularly for signs of infection. Tell the healthcare team if your loved one has any symptoms that come back or get worse, such as nausea or confusion. ## When is an EVD removed? The EVD is removed as soon as the healthcare team decides it’s safe to take out. In some cases, an EVD is replaced with a different tube called a VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt. This is an internal tube that drains the extra fluid to a place inside the belly (abdomen). This kind of tube can stay in place for a longer time. A VP shunt is put in place during a separate procedure. The healthcare team will tell you more if your loved one needs this. Content provided by WebMD Ignite (“WebMD”) is intended for general, informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied on solely for clinical decisions. WebMD makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy, reliability of our Content, however; users understand that information contained in the Content may become outdated or incomplete due to new research, findings or clinical guidelines. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. WebMD does not guarantee that all content will always be current, error-free or complete. 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Readable Markdown	An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a thin tube that drains extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. The extra fluid may be caused by illness or injury. Too much fluid raises the pressure in and around the brain. An EVD helps reduce pressure in the brain to a safe level. ## How to say it ehks-TER-nuhl vehn-TRIH-kyoo-ler ## Why is an EVD needed? CSF is a liquid that is in the brain cavities (ventricles) and around the brain and spinal cord. CSF is made by cells in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are spaces in the middle of the brain. Too much CSF can build up in the ventricles if the flow of fluid is blocked by a birth defect or an illness such as meningitis or bleeding. This is called hydrocephalus. In some cases, the ventricles may fill with blood because of an injury, a stroke, or another cause. Hydrocephalus increases pressure in the brain. Too much pressure in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and brain damage. An EVD drains some of the CSF or blood to restore a safe level of pressure in the brain. It also allows the healthcare team to record the brain pressure (intracranial pressure). ![Front view of man’s head and chest showing brain and ventricles.](https://umassmemorial.staywellhealthlibrary.com/Search/536776.img) ## How does an EVD work? A healthcare provider puts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the top of the skull into the center of the brain during a surgery or a procedure at bedside. Some EVDs are covered with an antibiotic. The tube is attached to a pouch nearby. The tube drains the extra fluid into the pouch. The amount of fluid is measured as it drains. The EVD is left in place as long as needed. This may be several days, a week, or longer. ## Risks of an EVD All procedures have risks. The risks of an EVD include: - Problems placing the tube in the right place in the brain - Infection of CSF with bacteria or fungus - Too much bleeding where the tube is inserted. This can happen when it is placed or when it is removed. - Brain damage where the EVD is placed - Blood clot that blocks the tube - Too much fluid drained away - EVD doesn't work as it should ## During EVD placement A neurosurgeon, a neurosurgery resident, or an intensivist will do the procedure. The surgery can be done in several ways. Ask the healthcare provider about the details of this surgery. In general, you can expect the following for your loved one: - They will be given medicine to help them relax (sedation), or medicine that lets them sleep through the surgery (general anesthesia). Or the medical team may inject anesthesia into the scalp. Antibiotics may be given during and after the surgery. This is to help prevent infection. - The healthcare team will trim the hair on top of the person's head. The surgeon makes a small cut (incision) in the skin. - Using a special drill, a surgeon drills a small hole in the bone of the skull. They then make a small incision in the layers covering the brain. - The surgeon puts a thin tube into the incision and then through the brain. In some cases, the surgeon may use computer-assisted imaging to help the tube reach the right place in the brain. - The surgeon then uses a small stitch (suture) on the skin of the scalp to hold the tube in place. A sterile dressing is put over the incision and the stitch. - The surgeon connects the tube to the pouch. ## While your loved one has an EVD The healthcare team will check the amount of fluid in the pouch often. While an EVD is in place, antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. The CSF may also be checked regularly for signs of infection. Tell the healthcare team if your loved one has any symptoms that come back or get worse, such as nausea or confusion. ## When is an EVD removed? The EVD is removed as soon as the healthcare team decides it’s safe to take out. In some cases, an EVD is replaced with a different tube called a VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt. This is an internal tube that drains the extra fluid to a place inside the belly (abdomen). This kind of tube can stay in place for a longer time. A VP shunt is put in place during a separate procedure. The healthcare team will tell you more if your loved one needs this.
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