Ommaya Reservoir

If you are needing an ommaya reservoir please Schedule an appointment with one of our Neurosurgeons as soon as possible.

Ommaya Reservoir: A Vital Tool for Brain and Spine Care

The Ommaya reservoir provides direct and reliable access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain and spinal cord. Surgeons implant this small, dome-shaped device under the scalp to support diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) conditions. Patients benefit from reduced need for repeated lumbar punctures, easier medication delivery, and efficient fluid management.

What Is an Ommaya Reservoir?

The reservoir includes a soft, dome-shaped port connected to a thin catheter that extends into one of the brain’s ventricles. Once implanted, this system enables healthcare providers to:

  • Inject medications directly into the CSF

  • Draw fluid samples for analysis

  • Relieve intracranial pressure caused by excess CSF

Unlike more invasive techniques, the Ommaya reservoir offers a minimally disruptive solution. Physicians often recommend it for patients who require frequent or long-term CNS access.

When Do Doctors Use an Ommaya Reservoir?

Doctors use this device in several clinical situations. Most commonly, neurosurgeons and oncologists rely on it for the following purposes:

  • Chemotherapy Delivery: The reservoir allows direct injection of chemotherapy drugs into the CSF, improving effectiveness against brain tumors or cancers that spread to the CNS.

  • Infection Management: Physicians use the device to administer antibiotics or antifungals to treat serious CNS infections.

  • CSF Sampling: The reservoir simplifies the process of collecting cerebrospinal fluid, making it easier to monitor neurological diseases.

  • Fluid Drainage in Hydrocephalus: In select cases, the reservoir helps manage excess fluid, reducing intracranial pressure and symptoms.

In many of these scenarios, the Ommaya reservoir improves accuracy and comfort while minimizing procedural risks.

How the Procedure Works

Neurosurgeons perform the implantation of an Ommaya reservoir in a controlled operating room environment. The procedure typically takes less than an hour. Here’s how it works:

  1. The surgeon makes a small incision in the scalp.
  2. They drill a small opening in the skull to access a brain ventricle.
  3. The surgeon inserts the catheter and attaches it to the reservoir.
  4. They position the reservoir beneath the scalp and close the incision with sutures or staples.

Most patients return home the same day or after a brief hospital stay. Overall, recovery is smooth and requires minimal downtime.

Benefits of the Ommaya Reservoir

Patients gain several important advantages from using an Ommaya reservoir:

  • Avoid frequent spinal taps or repeated needle sticks

  • Receive targeted drug delivery directly into the brain and spinal fluid

  • Experience increased comfort during ongoing treatment

  • Access accurate and consistent fluid sampling with minimal disruption

Moreover, with proper care, the reservoir can function for many months or even years, depending on individual treatment needs.

 

If you would like to speak to a Neurosurgeon, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.