Hi-Fidelity Catheter Measures Respiratory Parameters

An innovative catheter-based sensor provides reliable, high-fidelity respiratory pressure data unaffected by patient movement or position.

The Millar (Houston, TX, USA) Mikro-Cath pressure catheter is a 3.5 F disposable diagnostic device for the measurement of cardiovascular, intra-compartmental, and airway pressures in the human body. A pressure sensor, mounted at the distal tip of the catheter, sends an electrical output signal--which varies in direct proportion to the magnitude of a sensed pressure--to a connector at the proximal end. The continuous monitoring of both airway and intra-compartmental pressures can be used to accurately diagnose acute compartment syndrome (ACS).


Originally designed as a cardiovascular device, Mikro-Cath also provides reliable signals for advanced cardiac applications, including exercise studies, drug therapy evaluation, heart failure cases, and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) evaluation. Hemodynamic measurements available for cardiac applications include left ventricular pressures (LVP), right ventricular pressures (RVP), mean arterial pressures (MAP), valve gradients, radial artery pressures, and peripheral lesion pressure gradients.

“Since 1969, Millar has led the development of catheter-based, solid-state pressure sensors that deliver the most reliable measurement of physiologic pressures, and have been used to advance medical research and device development in cardiovascular, urodynamic, neurosurgical care, and orthopedic applications,” said the company in a press statement. “Millar delivers precision catheter-based technology to measure high-fidelity physiological parameters for improved accuracy in patient evaluation.”

ACS is a painful condition caused by an increase in interstitial pressure within a closed osteofascial compartment, which impairs local circulation. It usually develops after a severe injury such as fractures or crush injury, but can also occurs after a relatively minor injury. Diagnosing ACS is difficult in clinical practice, even among expert surgeons. Currently, the diagnosis is made on the basis of physical examination and repeated intra-compartmental pressures; a measurement higher than 30 mmHg is indicative of compartment syndrome.

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