What is the Ommaya tank?

Ommaya reservoir is a medical device used to supply chemotherapy drugs directly into cerebrospinal fluid. The tank is implanted under the scalp and connected to the catheter on one of the chambers of the brain. In addition to using this device to supply medication, can also be used for taps or draws of cerebrospinal fluid. It is implanted in general anesthesia by neurosurgeon on the recommendation of an oncologist who believes that it is essential for cancer treatment. Chemotherapeutic drugs supplied orally or intravenously may not be able to go through the barrier blood, or they cannot go through a sufficiently large amount to provide meaningful treatment. The Ommaya tank allows doctors to provide treatment directly to the source. The device is named after Pakistani surgeon, who invented it in the 60.eral anesthesia and the surgeon will cut in the scalp for access to the skull. A hole is drilled, so the catheter can be placed and the tank is inserted under the pocket in the scalp. The cut is closed and the anesthesiologist bringspatient from anesthesia. Patients can spend several days in the hospital while healing and evaluated in terms of cognitive deficits and pulmonary functions to confirm the absence of surgical complications.

For delivery of drugs to Ommaya reservoir, injections can be done through the scalp and the tank. Catheters may also be inserted to release cerebrospinal fluid for testing and other reasons. The reservoir can be left in place as soon as the patient goes into remission in case of repeat. If the patient remains stable for a longer period of time, the surgeon may discuss the removal of the Ommaya tank in the second surgery.

IT is not unusual for implant devices such as Ommaya Reservoirs and Ports to access the venous network for cancer treatment. Cancer treatment may be exhausting and patients may need numerous chemotherapy sessions. Having an access point can improve patient care, reduce rIZiko complications and minimize skin and tissue damage due to repeated new injection sites. However, patients also have to take care of their fixed catheters because there is a risk of infection. Patients will be provided with detailed guidelines for catheter care before and after surgery and are encouraged to ask for catheter care so that they know what to expect.