Keen's point

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 26.02.2023

Synonyms: Keens Point

Keen's point is a superficial anatomical landmark used for ventriculostomy.

Historical

Keen's point was first described in the literature in 1890¹.

Definition

Keen's point is located 2.5–3 cm posteriorly and 2.5–3 cm above the auricle. The intended catheter for ventriculostomy is then inserted 4–5 cm perpendicular to the cortex and should be located in the trigonal portion of the lateral ventricle².

Figure

Schematic illustration of Keen's point for ventricular puncture. Figure adapted from Morone PJ et al. (2020).

References

Keen W. SURGERY OF THE LATERAL VENTRICLES OF THE BRAIN. The Lancet. September 1890:553-555. ↩ ↩
Morone, Peter J., et al. Craniometrics and ventricular access a review of Kochers, Kaufmans, Paines, Menovksys, Tubbs, Keens, Fraziers, Dandys, and Sanchezs points. Operative Neurosurgery 18.5 (2020) 461-469. ↩ ↩

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