[Applications of the determination of brain tissue oxygen pressure (PtiO2)]

We review the basic aspects concerning the technique of measurement of partial brain tissue oxygenation (PtiO2) monitoring, and its indications in neurological patients.

Monitoring of cerebral oxygenation is considered to be of great importance in minimizing secondary hypoxic and ischemic brain damage following severe head injury and subarachnoid haemorrhage. The monitoring of brain tissue oxygen pressure (PtiO2) is a more recent technique based on the measurement of oxygen tension in tissue and fluid through a polarographic Clark type electrode.

Monitoring the PtiO2 of focal brain tissue is a safe and reliable method for regulating cerebral oxygenation. PtiO2 monitoring has some advantages over other established methods such as near infra red spectroscopy and SjO2 monitoring: 1) recalibration is not necessary, and 2) once inserted, it allows valid and stable measurement lasting hours and even days.