Etymed
ventriculostomy
Definition
a surgical procedure creating an opening into a ventricle, typically the lateral ventricle of the brain
Clinical context
A 23-year-old male presents to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident with altered mental status and unequal pupils. Imaging reveals a massive intraventricular hemorrhage with significant ventricular obstruction. The neurosurgery team performs a ventriculostomy to drain cerebrospinal fluid and reduce intracranial pressure. A 20-gauge catheter is inserted through the skull into the lateral ventricle under fluoroscopic guidance.
Mnemonic
VENTRICLE = VENTRICULOSTOMY = VENT (ventral) = VENTRICLE (ventricular) = VENT (ventilation) = VENT (vital) = VENT (ventricular drainage)
These morphemes also unlock…
- ventricul/o — ventricle
- ostomy — surgical opening