Project Overview

Current intraventricular drain (IVD) systems consist of a closed drainage system that is hung by a string from a pole. In order to function properly, the IVD collection container must be kept at a constant, consistent level relative to the ventricles of the patient. Since patients rarely stay completely immobile for any length of time, keeping the IVD properly leveled is a time-consuming, imprecise, almost sisyphysean nursing intervention. I have a general design for a device that would keep the IVD continually and consistently leveled at the correct height. In simple terms, a small sensor/transmitter/something of that nature would be attached to the patients temple. The collection systems buretrol would be mounted on a small motorized carriage. The system would raise or lower the carriage to keep the buretrol at the proper level. Furthermore, the envisioned device would also include an important safety feature-when sudden changes in height are detected, the system would automatically clamp the drainage system. Additional features are possible.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Danielle Horn - Team Leader
• Jack Goss - Communicator
• Kelsie Harris - BSAC & BPAG
• Maria Maza - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. John Puccinelli - Advisor
• Mr. David Longseth - Client

Related Projects

• Fall 2014: Auto-leveling Ventriculostomy Drain
• Spring 2014: Auto-levelling ventriculostomy drain