Intracranial pressure measurement from the anterior fontanelle utilizing a pneumoelectronic switch

A newly developed infant cranial model shows that accurate, reproducible, and noninvasive measurements of intracranial pressure (ICP) can be made from the anterior fontanelle when fontanelle pressure is referenced from the bony margins adjacent to the fontanelle opening. Also, this model provides insight into the elastic properties of the fontanelle membrane and the pressure/volume relationships governing ICP transmission through the fontanelle window. An anterior fontanelle pressure monitor design based on data from the infant cranial model was used to monitor anterior fontanelle pressure in three infants with elevated ICP and previously inserted ventricular catheters. Measured anterior fontanelle pressure was highly correlated to ICP (r = 0.962) with high reproducibility after blind application and reapplication. Base line adjustment and in situ recalibration were easily achieved, with the monitor showing no sensitivity to patient movement and excellent frequency response. (Neurosurgery 20:726-731, 1987)