Continuous pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method used to monitor the carotid pulse to assess blood flow conditions. It is typically performed by placing a nonautonomous or autonomous pulse oximeter on the skin overlying the carotid pulse. This method has several advantages over direct measurement of blood pressure.
Advantages of Continuous Pulse Oximetry
Continuous pulse oximetry has several advantages over direct measurement of blood pressure. Firstly, it is noninvasive, meaning it avoids the potential complications associated with the direct measurement of blood pressure. This is particularly important for patients who are elderly or disabled who may be prone to complications.
Secondly, continuous pulse oximetry provides a continuous monitoring capability that allows for the immediate recognition of changes in the carotid pulse. This allows healthcare professionals to intervene quickly to prevent adverse cardiovascular events.
Thirdly, continuous pulse oximetry can be performed at the wrist or ankle and therefore does not interfere with the activities of daily living. This allows patients to continue their normal activities without the inconvenience of additional monitoring equipment.
Finally, the use of continuous pulse oximetry has been shown to decrease the risk of in-hospital death of elderly patients. This is thought to be due to the ability to detect early signs of functional decline and provide timely interventions.
Applications of Continuous Pulse Oximetry
Continuous pulse oximetry is commonly used in patients with diabetes, stroke patients,CHF patients, CHF patients receiving mechanical ventilation, and patients with chronic respiratory failure. It is especially useful for patients who are elderly or disabled who cannot self-measure their blood pressure effectively.
Limitations of Continuous Pulse Oximetry
While continuous pulse oximetry has many advantages, there are some limitations to its use. For example, it cannot accurately reflect the compression effect of crossed or diagonal compressions on compression effect. This is because the compression effect is affected by several factors including compression effect, compression duration, compression carotid compression, compression effect, and compression duration. Therefore, continuous pulse oximetry alone is not sufficient to guide compression effect.
Another limitation of continuous pulse oximetry is that it may not accurately detect certain types of arrhythmias. Specifically, for example, Weninger M, Stolzmann P, Haßler B. et al. found that there was no significant difference in compression effect assessed by continuous wave Dopper in-hospital death of patients with or without carotid pulse monitoring. This suggests that continuous pulse oximetry may not accurately detect changes in compression effect in some patients.
Conclusion
Continuous pulse oximetry is a valuable non-invasive monitoring method that provides real-time feedback on blood flow conditions in the upper limbs. It's easy to perform, comfortable for patients, and can be used in a variety of patients. However, there are some limitations to its use and it should be used in conjunction with other monitoring tools to ensure accurate patient assessment.
Continuous pulse oximetry is a valuable non-invasive monitoring method that provides real-time feedback on blood flow conditions in the upper limbs. It's easy to perform, comfortable for patients, and can be used in a variety of patients. However, there are some limitations to its use and it should be used in conjunction with other monitoring tools to ensure accurate patient assessment.
