A computer system for neurosurgical patient monitoring

✍ Scribed by James J Ackmann

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1979
• Weight: 555 KB
• Volume: 10
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0010-468X
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-468x(79)90055-2

✦ Synopsis

The variables monitored in intensive care units are generally late indicators of neurologic deterioration. A system based on a LINC-8 computer was therefore developed for on-line monitoring of evoked potentials, electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial and transthoracic impedances as well as conventional parameters. Somatosensory evoked potentials are recorded at either 30 min or 1 h intervals. One minute epochs of EEG are analyzed every 10 min using a peak-detection algorithm. Impedances and conventional parameters are also monitored at 10 min intervals. In a study of 50 patients, the technical feasibility of this type of monitoring with a small laboratory computer has been demonstrated. In some instances, evoked potentials and EEG show changes prior to detectable neurologic changes. The study suggests that this type of monitoring can provide a valuable adjunct for evaluation of physiologic function in neurosurgical intensive care.

Patient monitoring

Evoked potentials Electroencephalography (EEG) Minicomputer