MATERIAL and METHODS: We implanted a ventricular needle made of stainless steel in 3 neurosurgical patients in whom multiple conventional (silicon) ventricular catheters had been previously implanted. All of them developed persistent ventriculitis during the first 30 days post-admission. The infection did not respond to antibiotics neither intravenously nor intrathecally via conventional catheters. After the implantation of the needle, colistin mesilate sodium was administered (150,000IU/day for 21 days) intrathecally, cerebrospinal fluid white blood cells were measured and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were obtained.

RESULTS: Within 15 days after the implantation of the metal catheter, a significant decrease of the cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count was noted and all cultures were negative. No operation related complications were observed.

CONCLUSION: Our technique of a metal catheter implantation is safe and requires fewer reoperations. Moreover, it is cost-effective since metal catheters can be used for longer periods of time, can be reused in other patients, and are of low cost. Keywords : Cerebrospinal fluid, Colistin (polymyxin E), External ventricular drain, Metal ventricular catheter, Ventriculitis