Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 38, Issue 4 730-735, Copyright © 1975 by American Physiological Society
Continuous in vivo measurement of arterial PO2 in humans
K. Jank, J. de Hemptinne, A. Swietochowski and M. Demeester
A system suitable for prolonged continuous in vivo measurement of human
arterial PO2 is described. The system uses a polarographic electrode
developed by Kimmich and Kreuzer, inserted in a specially made shunt
between the radial artery and an antecubital vein. Nhe electrode surface is
maintained in a fixed position parallel to the flow of blood; blood
velocity dependency is small owing to the high flow rate achieved (more
than 40 cm/s); clotting is prevented by the material used and the
continuous instillation of heparin through the arterial end of the shunt.
The system has been tested in vitro; it is stable (variation less than 0.5%
in 24 h), linear and precise (plus or minus 0.2%) in a broad range of PO2
values (from about 10 mmHg to more than 700 mmHg); its response time is 0.4
s per 95% of deflection. It has been applied to 35 patients for periods
ranging between 6 and 24 h; most of the patients were ventilated by an
Engstrom respirator.
