A new method for continuous tonometric pCO2 measurement--in vitro studies.

The available methods for tonometric pCO2 measurement only provide the possibility of performing intermittent registrations. A new method allowing continuous tonometric pCO2 measurement has been developed and tested in an in vitro model. A standard tonometer for intestinal pCO2 measurement was modified to allow continuous perfusion of the balloon with physiological saline solution in a closed system. The pCO2 in the system was determined in a specially constructed measurement chamber with a TCM20 percutaneous pCO2 monitor. In this in vitro model the tonometer balloon was placed in a saline bath with a constant pCO2 concentration and the measurements from the closed circulating system were compared with those obtained from a standard tonometer placed in the same bath. In 8 and 24 h experiments the circulating system measured the pCO2 value as accurately and reliably as traditional tonometry. This study indicates that the new method makes continuous monitoring of pCO2 possible.