The HanniSet((R)) external ventricular pressure transducer and drainage system: Experimental and clinical evaluation

The monitoring of increased intracranial pressure in comatose patients has become a standard procedure in many intensive care units. However, the prob es currently in use do not always fulfill clinical needs. The search for im proved and more cost-effective devices continues. The HanniSet(R) pressure probe is a microtransducer that is part of an external ventricular drainage system. Under experimental conditions, nine HanniSet(R) pressure transduce rs were tested for measurement accuracy In a prospective study, the HanniSe t(R) system was also examined clinically in intensive care units. Measureme nt accuracy was investigated in 5 mm Hg steps from 0 to 80 mm Hg. Drift was tested over a period of 10 days at different pressure levels from 0 to 50 mm Hg. The maximum drift was 3 mm Hg at 30 mm Hg. The average drift was les s than 0.2 mm Hg/day. The HanniSet(R) system was used on 43 patients prospe ctively over a period of 9 months. The infection rate was 4.6%. Experimenta lly and in the ICU setting, this transducer proved to be reliable, safe, pr actical, and cost effective.