Original Article

Continuous Blood Gas Monitoring Using the CDI System 300

Milwaukee Heart Surgery Associates, S.C.

^* Address correspondence to: Michael Harloff, CCP, Milwaukee Heart Surgery Associates, 231 S N. Lake Drive, Suite 1007, Milwaukee, WI

Abstract

The virtues and benefits of continuous on-line, realtime blood gas monitoring cannot be successfully denied, or its need be dismissed, on the basis of unavailable technology.

Not electing to monitor blood gases continuously is parallel in thought to not continuously monitoring arterial blood pressures or the electrocardiogram. Given the ever changing pH, and the fluctuation of the pCO2 and pO2, we are never really sure of the trending that occurs during periods of low flow, temperature, and the myriad of other factors which affect acid/base balance.

In order to be fully informed as to the total status of the patient, it is of the utmost importance to recognize continuous blood gas monitoring as an adjunct to cardiopulmonary bypass and not just a luxury option. The CDI System 300 continuously monitors arterial and venous pH, pCO, pO2 and calculates HC03/B.E., and SvO2 while storing the hematocrit. With virtually effortless calibration and insignificant set-up time, the perfusionist can create a wide margin of safety for himself and quality perfusion of the patient, as well as providing the minimum standard care.