METHODOLOGY FOR NON-INVASIVE MONITORING OF INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE WAVES IN DOGS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY USING THE BRAIN4CARE® BCMM/2000 MONITOR

Abstract

Invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is performed in humans to identify and manage intracranial hypertension (ICH) early. However, its use in veterinary medicine remains limited due to the cost and risk of complications, prompting ongoing research to non-invasive alternatives. Recently, a non-invasive ICP monitoring device (PIC-Ni) was released on the market and has already been used in humans, rats and dogs. Although the technique has been described in dogs, there are some difficulties in carrying out the procedure. Thus, this study aims to detail the methodology employed in monitoring ICP-Ni using the Brain4care® BcMM2000 monitor in dogs with traumatic brain injury. Conducted as a prospective case series at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital between May 2019 and December 2020, the study involved 11 dogs with cranioencephalic trauma. Efforts were made to ensure a calm environment. Unlike in humans, in which the sensor is placed on the head with an adjustable band, in dogs the sensor is used with the aid of a stereotaxic support, thus requiring patients to remain still for a few minutes. Although successful ICP-Ni waveform monitoring was achieved in all cases using this methodology, eight dogs required procedure repetition due to artifacts, and five dogs needed sedation. Despite positive outcomes, the encountered challenges suggest the need for device modification by the company to enhance its usability in dogs.