An Ommaya reservoir can be used as a treatment option for hydrocephalus, which is a condition characterized by the buildup of fluid in the brain. In this case, the Ommaya reservoir is used to drain excess fluid from the brain and manage symptoms.
The Ommaya reservoir is implanted into the brain through a small hole in the skull, and a catheter is inserted into the ventricles of the brain to allow for the drainage of CSF. The reservoir can be accessed with a needle for regular drainage or to add medications to the CSF, which can help manage symptoms of hydrocephalus.
The use of an Ommaya reservoir for hydrocephalus may be considered when other treatment options, such as shunt surgery or endoscopic third ventriculostomy, have failed or are not appropriate. The decision to use an Ommaya reservoir should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific symptoms and severity of hydrocephalus.