Use of an arterial pH catheter immediately after coronary artery bypass grafting

An arterial pH catheter was inserted into a femoral artery of 15 patients immediately after coronary artery bypass grafting. Catheter pH measurements correlated well with conventional blood gas measurements during the first 12 h postsurgery, and revealed rapid pH changes during weaning and bronchial suctioning. This device is a promising step in the development of a complete on-line blood gas analyzer.