The LICOX System® Brain Tissue Oxygen Monitoring

System

Jeffrey McCarthy

Biomedical Engineering

University of Rhode Island

jmccarthy1@my.uri.edu

The Licox Monitor

• Measures the amount of

Oxygen (O2) that is

reaching the brain tissue

– Partial Pressure of Brain

Tissue Oxygenation (PbtO2)

– Normal PbtO2: 25-35 mmHg

• Continuous, real time

measurement

Why?

• Cerebral Hypoxia is associated with poor

neurological outcome

– Medical interventions can attempt to correct PbtO2

• Causes of Cerebral Hypoxia

– Stroke

– Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

– Vasospasm related to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Licox Probe Insertion and Placement

How Does It Work?

• Probe covered by an O2 permeable

membrane

• O2 diffuses from brain through membrane

• Inside probe is an electrolyte solution

• O2 changes the charge of the solution

• Charge is carried through cables to the external Licox computer and displayed

References:1. “The LICOX System” Integra NeuroSciences 4 April 2013 http

://www.integralife.com/products%2FPDFs%2FNeuroCriticalCare%2FLicox%20Sales%

20Brochure.pdf

2. Northern Illawarra Hospitals Group: Clinical Practice Guideline

http://intensivecare.hsnet.nsw.gov.au/five/doc/wollongong/

june_licox_clinical_practice_guideline_wollongong.pdf

3. “The LICOX Sytstem: Product Presentation” Integra

NeuroSciences 4 April 2013

http://www.integralife.com/index.aspx?redir=products#Oti

Questions ?