A New Monitor to Measure Dermal Blood Flow in Critically Ill Patients: a Preliminary Study

A New Monitor to Measure Dermal Blood Flow in Critically Ill Patients: a Preliminary Study

Background: Conditions of reduced perfusion are characterized by redistribution of blood flow away from the skin to more vital organs.

Study Objectives: To assess the efficacy of a non-invasive, dermal blood flow (DBF) monitor in detecting changes in perfusion in critically ill patients.

Preliminary Study

Study Population: critically ill patients in a general ICU

DBF, finger plethysmography and invasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded over an 8-hour period. DBF was measured using the I.S. MedTech DBF monitor, based on the hot-wire principle of thermal balance of a heater cooled by a moving medium, via a skin probe placed on the anterior chest wall. Sensitivity was evaluated by visual inspection during active states, either induced, e.g. fluid administration, or spontaneous, e.g. altered hemodynamics. Specificity was evaluated during stable states (minimal fluctuations of MAP and no active interventions applied or required). Data are expressed in terms of standard deviation (SD) and of the difference (SDD) between the MAP and each of the tested methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients were ventilated and sedated during an 8-hour period of measurement

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years old