Practical experiences with the routine application of the intravascular PO2 probe.

The practical experience with the routine use of 53 Roche PO2 probes, introduced through the radial artery in artificially ventilated patients of all age groups, during up to 8 1/2 days, is described. It may be concluded that many observations are only possible by continuous measurement, which, for example, makes possible a quicker and more accurate control of breathing and respiration. In some cases the cost-benefit calculation even favors continuous measurement.