Intrathecal Placement of Lumbar Drain: A Technique to Withdraw Cerebrospinal Fluid from the Lumbar Spine in Porcine Model

For percutaneous placement of cerebrospinal fluid drainage for measuring and controlling cerebrospinal pressure, identify the level of Lumbar 4 / 5, or L 5 / 6. Puncture the skin, and the subcutaneous space with the introducer needle, and remove the inlay needle. Place a saline-filled syringe onto the introducer needle, and use constant pressure to carefully introduce the needle into the epidural space.

Once a loss of resistance is felt, indicating a correct epidural placement, insert the inlay needle and advance the needle 2 to 3 millimeters into the intrathecal space. Introduce the drainage up to a 20-centimeter depth. Attach a Luer-lock adapter, and verify the position by careful aspiration of the liquor. Then, carefully fix the drainage with sutures, and connect the drainage to the cerebrospinal fluid drainage system.