The baseline pressure of intracranial pressure (ICP) sensors can be altered by electrostatic discharges
2011

Effects of Electrostatic Discharges on Intracranial Pressure Sensors

Sample size: 57 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Eide Per K, Bakken André

Primary Institution: Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway

Hypothesis

Can baseline pressures of ICP sensors be affected by electrostatic discharges at clinically relevant magnitudes?

Conclusion

Electrostatic discharges can significantly alter the baseline pressures of ICP sensors, potentially leading to incorrect ICP readings and risks for patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • 96% of Codman sensors showed baseline pressure changes of ≥ 2 mmHg.
  • 53% of Raumedic sensors showed baseline pressure changes of ≥ 2 mmHg.
  • Lasting changes in baseline pressure > 10 mmHg were frequently observed.

Takeaway

When doctors use special sensors to check brain pressure, tiny electric shocks can change the readings, which might make them think the pressure is different than it really is.

Methodology

Bench-testing of commercial ICP sensors was performed by delivering electrostatic discharges to them while measuring the pressure changes.

Limitations

The study did not include research on humans or animals, and the effects of ESDs in real clinical settings were not directly tested.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-925X-10-75

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