A Simple Method to Level the Transducer to the Tragus during Neurosurgical Procedures

For patients who have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) or are planned for neurosurgical procedures, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) monitoring becomes essential for maintaining adequate cerebral blood flow.While measuring intra-arterial blood pressure, the transducer should be zeroed to the level of the tragus.Any erroneous measurement of CPP may lead to the failure of CPP-guided therapies.In neurosurgical patients, the head end of the patient is wholly draped and surrounded by the surgical personnel, which makes identifying the tragus and precise leveling of the transducer to the tragus from the foot end extremely difficult.To overcome this difficulty, we have devised a spirit level that can accurately confirm that the transducer is at the level of the tragus.The described device is easily assembled with the components easily available in the operation room.The device is regularly being used in our daily practice with excellent results.