Improvised intracranial pressure monitoring devices for traumatic brain injury management in a low-income environment: A single-centre randomised study demonstrating feasibility

The high cost and non-availability of standard ICP monitoring devices limit their use in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. This study aims to demonstrate the use of an improvised intraventricular ICP monitoring device as a feasible alternative. Are improvised ICP Monitoring devices feasible and effective in resource-constrained settings? The study was a prospective single-institution investigation involving 54 adult patients that presented with severe TBI (GCS of 3–8) within 72 ​h of injury and required operative intervention. All patients underwent craniotomy or primary decompressive craniectomy (DC) to evacuate traumatic mass lesions. 14-day in-hospital mortality was used as a primary endpoint of the study. 25 patients had ICP monitoring postoperatively using the improvised device. The modified ICP device was replicated using a feeding tube and a manometer with 0.9% saline as a coupling agent. Based on hourly ICP recording (up to 72 ​h), patients were observed as having high ICP (>27 ​cm H2O) and normal ICP (27 ​cm H2O). In the ICP-monitored group, raised ICP was detected more than in the clinically assessed group (84% vs 12% p=