Microdialysis monitoring - A method for monitoring organ and tissue chemistry

Abstract

Microdialysis is a technique for sampling the chemistry of individual organs and tissues. The basic principle is to mimic function of a capillary blood vessel by perfusing a thin semi-permeable dialysis membrane tube implanted in the tissue with a physiological solution. In the tissue substances from the interstitial fluid diffuse trough the dialysis membrane into the perfusion fluid. The perfusate is analyzed chemically and reflects the tissue or the organ chemistry.Today there are CE-approved Microdialysis catheters available for implantation in brain, liver, abdomen, muscle, subcutaneous tissue as well as intravenously. There are Microdialysis perfusion pumps, micro-vials and analyzers suitable for intra-operative as well as bedside use in the Intensive Care Unit. The presentation will give a brief overview of the different applications of clinical Microdialysis.