A NOVEL, REMOTE-CONTROLLED SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR BRAIN-TISSUE PO2 MEASUREMENTS WITH MULTIWIRE SURFACE ELECTRODES

A new device was developed for rapid assessment of PO2 values in viabl e tissue, such as the brain, using a multiwire surface electrode. The instrument utilizes a phonograph-like construction with weightless sus pension of the electrode which thus minimizes surface pressure and all ows for compensation of brain movements. The new and original componen t of the present device is the motor-driven, servo-controlled rotation of the PO2 electrode around its vertical axis. This enables PO2 measu rements from precisely defined locations. From values measured on rabb it brain surface a PO2 histogram was constructed. The mean PO2 and dis tribution histogram were similar to those obtained with a needle elect rode. The novel device, therefore, enables accurate and fast tissue PO 2 measurements with minimal risk of brain damage.