Brain tissue oxygen (PtiO2): a clinical comparison of two monitoring devices.
BACKGROUND
We investigated the difference between two commercially available sensors for continuous monitoring of brain tissue oxygen (PtiO2). One is a single parameter probe for PtiO2 monitoring (Licox), the other is a multiparamter sensor (Neurotrend) further including measurement of brain temperature, pH, and partial pressure of tissue carbon dioxide.


METHODS
In seven patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage or traumatic brain injury continuous monitoring of PtiO2 was performed simultaneously using Licox and Neurotrend.


RESULTS
Mean PtiO2 was generally lower when assessed by the Neurotrend, as compared with the Licox (Licox 27.7 mmHg vs. Neurotrend 20.9 mmHg; P = 0.028). The amplitude of PtiO2 elevations during ventilation with 100% oxygen was higher with the Licox, but this did not reach statistical significance (Licox 55.2 mmHg vs. Neurotrend 50.2 mmHg, P = 0.082). Regarding clinical stability of the sensors, only one Neurotrend sensor provided valid function over the desired monitoring period. Five Neurotrend sensors dislocated or broke and one sensor did not show any function after insertion. No malfunction occurred with the Licox sensors.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that PtiO2 might be lower when assessed by the Neurotrend sensor. The clinical stability of the Neurotrend sensor was of concern and allowed monitoring in one of seven patients over the desired monitoring period of several days only.
Jaeger
M
M
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. jaem@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Soehle
M
M
Meixensberger
J
J
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D010100:Oxygen