A novel approach toward noninvasive monitoring of transcutaneous CO(2).
The continuous monitoring of transcutaneous gases is an integral part of neonatal intensive care. Present monitors measure the equilibrating values of these gases by raising the skin temperature to 42°C or above. Because neonatal skin is very sensitive and delicate, this often leads to serious skin injuries. In this work, we present a new approach to the noninvasive measurement of transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (tcpCO2) based on the initial pseudo steady state diffusion rates instead of the mass-transfer equilibrium. Because we are following initial diffusion rates, each measurement takes no more than a few minutes. Additionally, raising the surface temperature is not required, thus, skin irritation and burns are highly unlikely. A dual-chamber diffusion vessel with either porcine skin or dialysis membrane placed between the two chambers was used to mimic neonatal skin. LI-820 CO2 Analyzer was used to measure the CO2 diffusing through the membrane or skin. Initial experiments on adult human skin under varying physical activities, food intake and breathing patterns showed a strong influence of the various conditions on the amount of CO2 diffusing through skin. These initial findings suggest that this method can be used not only on neonates but to a wider population of patients.
Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States.
Madhubanti
M
Chatterjee
Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States. Electronic address: xge1@umbc.edu.
Xudong
X
Ge
Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States.
Yordan
Y
Kostov
Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States.
Leah
L
Tolosa
Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States. Electronic address: grao@umbc.edu.
Govind
G
Rao
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D012449:Safety; D012867:Skin; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors
D002245:Carbon Dioxide
Diffusion; Noninvasive monitoring; Preterm neonate; Sensors; Transcutaneous gases.