Infusionstherapie und Transfusionsmedizin
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Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) has gained increasing relevance since its introduction by Aaslid in 1982. Basal cerebral arteries are insonated with a 2-MHz ultrasound beam. The backscattered ultrasound is analyzed by Fast-Fourier transformation and permits continuous and noninvasive determination of flow velocities (v) and pulsatility index (PI). ⋯ TCD is a fascinating monitoring device with many advantages. It can be useful for many patients and physicians, if its limitations and the clinical situation are kept in mind. Further studies have to define the role of TCD in neuroanaesthesia.
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Assessment of the level of cerebral function or of functional deficits, respectively, as in patients with acute cerebral lesions in coma, is the main purpose of cerebral monitoring. Although the clinical-neurological exploration of the patient with employment of scoring systems, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, is the most comprehensive approach, it is of limited quantitative nature. ⋯ Recording of the intracranial pressure in comatose patients with severe head injury continues to play a central role in early recognition of fatal complications threatening the brain, such as an intracranial mass. Besides, assessment of the intracranial pressure is indispensable for selection of appropriate methods of treatment and adjustment of its necessary dose.