Journal of clinical monitoring and computing
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2014
Evaluation of a computer program for non-invasive determination of pulmonary shunt and ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
We describe a three-compartment model (shunt and two perfused compartments) to analyse the relationship between inspired oxygen (FIO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) in terms of pulmonary shunt and ventilation-perfusion ratio (VA/Q). The program was tested using 24 exact datasets, each with six pairs of FIO2 and SaO2 data points with known VA/Q and shunt, generated by a complex calculator of gas exchange. Additional datasets were created by adding noise and rounding the exact sets, and by reducing the number of data points per dataset. ⋯ It is probably advantageous to correct for foetal haemoglobin in neonatal datasets. Analysis of FIO2 versus SaO2 datasets using a three compartment model provides accurate estimates of shunt and VA/Q when arterio-venous difference in oxygen content is known. The estimates may have value as objective measures of gas exchange, and as a visual guide for oxygen therapy.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2014
Melodic algorithms for pulse oximetry to allow audible discrimination of abnormal systolic blood pressures.
An anesthesiologist must remain vigilant of the patient's clinical status, incorporating many independent physiological measurements. Oxygen saturation and heart rate are represented by continuous audible tones generated by the pulse oximeter, a mandated monitoring device. Other important clinical parameters--notably blood pressure--lack any audible representation beyond arbitrarily-configured threshold alarms. ⋯ A rhythmic variation in which additional auditory information was conveyed only at halftime intervals, with every other "beat" of the pulse oximeter, was strongly favored. The respondents also strongly favored the use of musical chords over single tones. Given three algorithms of tones embedded in the pulse oximeter signal, anesthesiologists preferred a melodic tone to signal a significant change in blood pressure.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2014
Simulating physiological interactions in a hybrid system of mathematical models.
Mathematical models can be deployed to simulate physiological processes of the human organism. Exploiting these simulations, reactions of a patient to changes in the therapy regime can be predicted. Based on these predictions, medical decision support systems (MDSS) can help in optimizing medical therapy. ⋯ The gas exchange submodel being reactive to changes in cardiac output showed a resulting deviation of less than 0.1 %. Therefore, the proposed model is usable in combinations where cardiovascular simulation does not have to be detailed. Computing costs have been decreased dramatically by a factor 186 compared to a model combination employing the 19-compartment model.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2014
Dead space reduction by Kolobow's endotracheal tube does not justify the waiving of volume monitoring in small, ventilated lungs.
In ventilated preterm infants the flow sensor contributes significantly to the total apparatus dead space, which may impair gas exchange. The aim of the study was to quantify to which extent a dead space reduced Kolobow tube (KB) without flow sensor improves the gas exchange compared with a conventional ventilator circuit with flow sensor [Babylog 8000 (BL)]. In a cross-over trial in 14 tracheotomized, surfactant-depleted (saline lavage) and mechanically ventilated newborn piglets (age <12 h; body weight 705-1200 g) BL and KB was applied alternately for 15 min and blood gases were recorded. ⋯ Furthermore, median paO2 was increased by 4 mmHg (p < 0.05) and O2 saturation was increased by 2.5 % (p < 0.05). No significant changes were seen in the circulatory parameters. In very small, ventilated lungs the use of KB improved the gas exchange; however, the improvement was moderate and does not justify the waiving of volume monitoring.