Table 1.
Comparison between different temporary measures.
| EVD | VSGS | VAD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close system | – | + | + |
| Continuous drainage | + | ± or + | – |
| Repeated aspiration | – | – | + |
| Labor intense | + | + | ++ |
| Risk of over-drainage or under-drainage | + | + | – |
| Electrolyte and nutritional loss | + | – | + |
| Risk of infection | ++ | + | + |
| CSF studies before conversion to a permanent shunt | ++ | ++ | + |
| Changes of the hardware when converting to a permanent shunt | +++ | +++ | ± |
| Survival duration | Short | Average 30 days | Long |
| Unique complications and drawbacks | – | Catheter migration, unappealing scalp swelling, skull deformity, secondary subgaleal encephalocele | – |
Abbreviations: EVD: external ventricular drainage; VSGS: ventriculosubgaleal shunt; VAD: ventricular access device.