Abstract: A ventriculostomy instrument comprises a ventriculostomy catheter having ultrasound capabilities. The ventriculostomy catheter can include a catheter wall defining a central lumen passageway, and a stylet device removably received in the central lumen passageway. An ultrasound probe is disposed in the catheter wall and remains in place at the distal end of the catheter when the stylet is removed. Thus it may be used to provide substantially continuous ultrasound imaging and monitoring during positioning, during fluid draining or during the insertion of medical instruments into the brain via the central lumen passageway of the catheter.