Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
Comparison of Different Calibration Methods in a Non-invasive ICP Assessment Model
Bernhard Schmidt1, Danilo Cardim2, Marco Weinhold3
1Department of Neurology, Medical Centre Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany. B.Schmidt@skc.de.
Objective:
Previously we described the method of continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) estimation using arterial blood pressure (ABP) and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). The model was constructed using reference patient data. Various individual calibration strategies were used in the current attempt to improve the accuracy of this non-invasive ICP (nICP) assessment tool.
Materials And Methods:
Forty-one patients (mean, 52 years; range, 18-77 years) with severe brain injuries were studied. CBFV in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), ABP and invasively assessed ICP were simultaneously recorded for 1 h. Recording was repeated at days 2, 4 and 7. In the first recording, invasively assessed ICP was recorded to calibrate the nICP procedure by means of either a constant shift of nICP (snICP), a constant shift of nICP/ABP ratio (anICP) or by including this recording for a model reconstruction (cnICP). At follow-up days, the calibrated nICP procedures were applied and the results compared to the original nICP.
Results:
In 76 follow-up recordings, the mean differences (Bias), the SD and the mean absolute differences (ΔICP) between ICP and the nICP methods were (in mmHg): nICP, -5.6 ± 5.72, 6.5; snICP, +0.7 ± 6.98, 5.5, n.s.; anICP, +1.0 ± 7.22, 5.6, n.s.; cnICP, -3.4 ± 5.68, 5.4, p < 0.001. In patients with craniotomy (n = 19), the nICP was generally higher than ICP. This overestimation could be reduced by cnICP calibration, but not completely avoided.
Discussion:
Constant shift calibrations (snICP, anICP) decrease the Bias to ICP, but increase SD and, therefore, increase the 95% confidence interval (CI = 2 × SD). This calibration method cannot be recommended. Compared to nICP, the cnICP method reduced the Bias and slightly reduced SD, and showed significantly decreased ΔICP. Compared to snICP and anICP, the Bias was higher. This effect was probably caused by the patients with craniotomy.
Conclusion:
The cnICP calibration method using initial recordings for model reconstruction showed the best results.
Related Concept Videos
Glassware Calibration
Volumetric flasks: Volumetric flasks are designed to prepare aqueous solutions of precise volumes accurately with a calibration line on the neck. To calibrate a volumetric flask, it is important to fill it with distilled...
Pharmacokinetic Models: Comparison and Selection Criterion
Physiological models take a detailed approach by considering specific molecular processes. They can predict drug distribution, metabolism, and elimination changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with the body.
Instrument Calibration
Analytical Balance Calibration
An analytical balance measures mass and requires regular calibration to...
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Renal Drug Clearance: Comparison Between Renal Excretion Methods
Renal clearance is often associated with the renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which represents the rate at which plasma is filtered through the glomeruli in the kidney. When drug reabsorption is minimal and there is no active secretion, renal clearance is closely related to the...
Calibration Curves: Correlation Coefficient

