The Ommaya reservoir is a medical device implanted under the scalp to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid for the treatment of central nervous system tumors. It can also be used for taps or cerebrospinal fluid withdrawals. The device is named after the Pakistani surgeon who invented it in the 1960s. Patients must take care of their stationary catheters to avoid infection.
An Ommaya reservoir is a medical device used to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. The reservoir is implanted under the scalp and attached to a catheter threaded into one of the ventricles of the brain. In addition to being used to administer medications, this device can also be used for taps or cerebrospinal fluid withdrawals. It is implanted under general anesthesia by a neurosurgeon on the advice of an oncologist who deems it necessary for the treatment of cancer.
Central nervous system tumors are notoriously difficult to treat. Orally or intravenously administered chemotherapy drugs may not be able to cross the blood-brain barrier or may not pass in sufficient quantities to provide meaningful treatment. An Ommaya reservoir allows doctors to administer treatment directly at the source. The device is named after the Pakistani surgeon who invented it in the 1960s.
When this device is placed, the patient is given general anesthesia and the surgeon makes an incision in the scalp to gain access to the skull. A hole is made so that the catheter can be placed and the reservoir inserted under a pocket in the scalp. The incision is closed and the anesthetist takes the patient out of anesthesia. Patients may spend several days in the hospital while they recover, and cognitive deficits and lung function are evaluated to confirm the absence of surgical complications.
To deliver medications into the Ommaya reservoir, injections can be made through the scalp and into the reservoir. Catheters may also be inserted to drain CSF for testing and other reasons. The reservoir can be left in place once the patient goes into remission if there is a recurrence. If a patient remains stable for an extended period of time, a surgeon may discuss removing the Ommaya reservoir in a second surgical procedure.
It is not uncommon to implant devices such as Ommaya reservoirs and ports to access the venous network for cancer treatment. Cancer treatment can be exhausting and patients may need numerous chemotherapy sessions. Having an access point ready can improve patient care, reduce the risk of complications, and minimize skin and tissue damage from repeated new injection sites. However, patients must also take care of their stationary catheters, as there is a risk of infection. Patients will receive detailed catheter care instructions before and after surgery and are encouraged to ask questions about catheter care so they know what to expect.
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