System for Measuring Sublingual Carbon Dioxide

A noninvasive system for measuring sublingual carbon dioxide is designed to help doctors quickly assess tissue perfusion and tissue oxygen utilization, particularly in critically ill patients in intensive care. The new system was introduced at the annual meeting of the Society of Critical Care Medicine in San Antonio (TX, USA).

The system, called CapnoProbe SL, comprises a handheld device and a single-patient-use disposable sensor. The system uses fiber optic technology to transmit light through the sensor, which is placed under a patient's tongue much like a thermometer. Carbon dioxide diffuses across a semi-permeable membrane of the sensor and into a fluorescent dye solution. The dye emits light that is proportional to the amount of CO2 present. This light intensity is analyzed by the device and displayed as a numeric value. The CapnoProbe SL is the product of Nellcor (Pleasanton, CA, USA).

"The CapnoProbe system is the first noninvasive device that can assist the clinician in rapidly assessing tissue perfusion and tissue oxygen utilization,” said Paul Mark, M.D., professor of critical care at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (PA, USA). "In the intensive care unit, the system has proven to be an invaluable asset during the resuscitation of critically ill patients.”




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