Abstract

Introduction: IVH clearance of more than 80% with intraventricular fibrinolysis administered via a conventional external ventricular drain (EVD) is associated with improvements in outcomes; however, 80% IVH clearance is difficult to achieve. The IRRAflow® device offers fluid irrigation and drainage in a unique system that is designed to provide efficient drainage and clearance of hemorrhage, which may provide advantages over a conventional EVD. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiographic findings and outcomes of patients with IVH associated with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who received treatment with the IRRAFlow® device from April 1, 2021, to May 1, 2022. Methods: This was a single center, retrospective review. The primary outcome was change in IVH volume which assessed by modified Graeb Scale (mGS). All endpoints were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Twelve patients were identified during the study period. Four patients were not included in the analysis due to withdrawal of care (n=2) or severe stroke causing death before completion of treatment (n=2). Of the eight patients included in the study, two had IVH associated with SAH, and six had IVH associated with ICH. Four patients received intrathecal boluses of alteplase, and three patients also had a traditional EVD placed in additional to the ventricular flow device. Seven patients had a pre-treatment mGS greater than or equal to 5, and two patients had a pre-treatment mGS of 4. The mean (+/- SD) pre-treatment mGS was 14 (+/- 8), and post-treatment mGS was 2 (+/- 3). The mean (+/- SD) volume clearance, which was calculated using the mGS, was 92% (+/- 12%). All patients had a modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 4 prior to treatment. Mean (+/- SD) mRS was 3 (+/- 1) at post-discharge follow up. All patients achieved IVH clearance, with third and fourth ventricle clearance, except for one patient who removed the device prior to completion of therapy. None of the patients required ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement or died. One patient developed ventriculitis as a complication. Conclusion: In conclusion, the IRRAFlow® device was successful in achieving goal IVH clearance (mGS less than 5) in all patients, which has been associated with improved outcomes.

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