• S García del Valle, A Bartolomé, B Menéndez, J Azofra, and M D Requejo.
• Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Madrid.
• Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 1996 Feb 1;43(2):49-52.

ObjectiveTo compare accuracy, precision and stability of two jugular venous blood catheters for continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation during surgery, in a nonrandom, prospective sample.Patients And MethodsWe studied 47 patients requiring continuous monitoring of SjvO2 during a variety of neurosurgical procedures. Swan-Ganz pediatric 5.5F catheters (Opticath P575-EH) were used in 27 patients; neonatal umbilical artery 4F catheters (Opticath U425C) were used in 20. Both catheters were equipped with a fiberoptic system for continuous monitoring of hemoglobin oxygen saturation. After checking correct placement, readings transmitted were compared with co-oximetry readings for a sample taken from the distal end of the catheter. We also compared time spent placing the catheters and stability of SjvO2 reading during surgery.ResultsInsertion time (+/- SD) was 10.3 +/- 2.5 minutes for the 4F catheter and 15.9 +/- 5.5 minutes for the 5.5F model (p < 0.01). Although both systems tended to overestimate, the 5.5F catheters were more accurate: the mean differences were -6.8% for the 4F catheter and -1.2% for the 5.5F. These results made it necessary to calibrate the 4F catheters after placement and before use, a procedure not needed if the 5.5F catheters are used. Stability of SjvO2 readings during surgery was significantly greater (p < 0.01) for the 5.5F catheters, such that only 25.9% were considered clinically useful based on this parameter. However, 70% of the 5.5F catheters provided acceptable SjvO2 readings. Intracranial pressure during insertion and removal of the SjvO2 catheters was measured in only 5 patients; there were no changes greater than 1 mmHg.ConclusionsAlthough the 5.5F pediatric catheters take longer to put into position, their greater accuracy, precision and stability makes them preferable to the 4F catheters for continuous monitoring of SjvO2. Long-term vascular effects must be studied further.

18 keywords...

hide…