Cranial drill

Cranial Drill

A Cranial Drill is a surgical instrument used in neurosurgery for drilling the skull. It is used to access the brain during surgery or to create a burr hole for the insertion of a neurosurgical shunt or an intracranial pressure monitor.

History

The use of cranial drills dates back to ancient times, with evidence of trepanation, the practice of drilling holes in the skull, found in prehistoric human remains. Modern cranial drills are designed to minimize the risk of penetrating the dura mater and damaging the brain.

Design and Function

Cranial drills are typically made of stainless steel or other high-strength materials. They are designed to drill through the skull without penetrating the dura mater, the tough outermost membrane of the brain. Some cranial drills have a safety feature that stops the drill from advancing once it has penetrated the skull, reducing the risk of injury to the brain.

Use in Neurosurgery

In neurosurgery, a cranial drill is used to create a hole in the skull, known as a burr hole, through which surgical instruments can be inserted. Burr holes are used in a variety of procedures, including craniotomy, craniectomy, and the insertion of shunts or intracranial pressure monitors.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, the use of a cranial drill carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to the brain or other structures. The risk of complications can be minimized by using a drill with a safety feature that stops the drill from advancing once it has penetrated the skull.

See Also

• Neurosurgery
• Craniotomy
• Craniectomy
• Intracranial pressure
• Neurosurgical shunt

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