Measuring eye‑vein pressure to estimate intracranial pressure

Investigation of a New Window Into Intracranial Pressure: Venous Occlusion Pressure of the Isolated Periorbital Vein

NA · University of Freiburg · NCT07053631

This trial will try measuring pressure in a vein near the eye to see if it matches lumbar CSF pressure in adults scheduled for diagnostic CSF testing.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Freiburg (other)
Locations1 site (Freiburg im Breisgau)
Trial IDNCT07053631 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares a non-invasive venous occlusion pressure measurement of an isolated periorbital vein with standard invasive lumbar CSF pressure measurements in adults undergoing routine dynamic CSF testing. During the planned CSF testing, participants will lie in the lateral recumbent position while a pneumatic mask and periorbital vein measurement are applied alongside the routine invasive measurements. The non-invasive readings will be taken in parallel with invasive lumbar CSF pressure to determine agreement and to explore relationships with derivatives of dynamic CSF testing. Results will be analyzed to quantify how closely venous occlusion pressure corresponds to lumbar CSF pressure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–95 who are already scheduled for routine craniospinal dynamic CSF testing and can give informed consent are the intended participants.

Not a fit: People with altered CSF communication, prior CSF diversion procedures, recent (within 6 months) brain injury or transdural surgery, head wounds or hematomas that block the measurement site, or orbital conditions affecting venous outflow are unlikely to benefit from this method.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a safer, non-invasive way to estimate intracranial pressure and reduce reliance on lumbar puncture or invasive monitoring.

How similar studies have performed: The periorbital venous occlusion approach is relatively novel with limited prior validation, while other non-invasive ICP proxies (such as optic nerve sheath diameter or transcranial Doppler) have shown mixed accuracy compared with invasive measures.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Medical indication to perform routine craniospinal CSF dynamic testing according to standard operative procedures
* Aged 18-95
* Willing and able to provide valid signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with any known ongoing, or history of, abnormal CSF communication
* Patients with any kind of prior intervention for CSF diversion
* Patients with acute brain damage within the preceding 6 months
* Patients with transdural surgery within the preceding 6 months
* Head wounds or hematoma that could hinder access to measurement site
* Any known pathological condition linked to the orbital socket influencing venous outflow

Where this trial is running

Freiburg im Breisgau

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Indication for CSF Dynamic Testing, Indication for CSF Infusion Test, ICP, non-invasive ICP assessment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.