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Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for accurate insertion of a ventricular catheter through the cranial surface into the ventricular system of the human brain. The method includes providing an orifice through the human cranial surface, cutting and coagulating the dural membranes separating the cerebral substances from the interior cranial surface, and inserting a flexible catheter rendered rigid by incorporation of an obdurator in its lumen, or central cavity, through the cranial orifice and the cerebral substances into a ventricle of the brain. The catheter defines its path of entry into the ventricular system through a guide assembly mounted on the exterior of the cranial surface. The guide assembly is disposed to enable the catheter and incorporated obdurator to enter the cranial orifice and cerebral substances and hence the ventricular system at an angle of 90.degree. in relation to an imaginary plane formed by a tangent to the cranial suface at the point of entry through the orifice. The obdurator is removed from the catheter when the catheter and incorporated obdurator have penetrated the ventricular system.

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First Claim