Abstract
A new device has been developed at The University of Western Ontario to simplify and improve the accuracy of compartment pressure measurements in limbs. The device consists of two components: a catheter assembly and a meter unit. The catheter assembly consists of a slit catheter connected via a pressure line to a plastic transducer dome and a Bell and Howell transducer. The meter unit contains the power supply and calibration adjustments, and combines a digital display reading with an audio and visual warning system. An experimental investigation was undertaken to assess the accuracy and drift of the slit catheter technique against the wick catheter and the needle manometer technique. The slit catheter was the most accurate of the three methods in the 0 to 80 mmHg range. The standard deviation was ± 1.1 mmHg versus ± 3.2 mmHg for the wick and ± 4.0 mmHg for the needle manometer technique. In addition, the slit catheter showed less drift when measuring a constant pressure of 35 mmHg for six hours. Standard deviation over this time period was ± 1.9 mmHg for the slit catheter compared to ± 2.6 mmHg for the wick and ± 7.7 mmHg for the needle manometer. The slit catheter system described here is simple to use and is the most accurate method of measuring intracompartmental pressure up to 80 mmHg. It is easy to make and assemble and has less drift than the other methods investigated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
