The continuous measurement of intra-arterial pressure in the neonate: method and accuracy

Abstract

The authors describe an early set up measurement system which allows the continuous monitoring of intra-arterial pressure in newborn babies for a number of days. The novelty of the system is in the introduction of a high impedance (usually a short length of capillary tubing) between the infusion pump and the pressure transducer. A flushing device is used in conjunction with a syringe pump which allows the infusion rate to be accurately controlled and limited, and to enable a check to be made on the total amount of fluid that has been infused at any given time.