Abstract
A computerized monitoring and analyzing system for neurosurgical intensive care was developed. In this system, information concerning not only the central nervous system but also the cardiovascular and respiratory systems can be monitored continuously, and the correlations among the parameters can be analyzed automatically. Electroencephalograms (EEG) and intracranial pressure (ICP) are monitored as parameters for the central nervous system function and condition. EEG is analyzed by fast Fourier transform or wave-form recognition method, and power, percentage time or mean amplitude of each frequency band is computed sequentially. ICP is recorded from a catheter placed in the lateral ventricle, in the spinal subarachnoid space or from a transducer in the epidural space. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are monitored by heart rate, systemic blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, respiratory rate, expiratory O2 pressure, and CO2 pressure. Body temperature is also monitored continuously. On the other hand, off-line recorded data such as cardiac output, blood gas analysis, serum electrolytes and so on can be entered in this system manually. Sequential changes of those parameters are displayed as time-dependent trend graphs, and the correlations among the various parameters can be analyzed by the equation of regression automatically. From the time-dependent trend graph, changes of functional and supporting systems of the brain as well as systemic and metabolic parameters can be observed easily, and a tendency for the worse can be monitored. From the results of the correlation analysis, pathophysiological dynamics can be considered and a suitable treatment should be selected.
