Fiber-Optic Intracranial Pressure Monitoring System Using Wi-Fi-An In Vivo Study

Neurosurgery. 2023 Mar 1;92(3):647-656. doi: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002250. Epub 2022 Dec 1.

Abstract

Background: Continuous invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) is essential in neurocritical care for surveillance and management of raised ICP. Fluid-based systems and strain gauge microsensors remain the current standard. In the past few decades, several studies with wireless monitoring were developed aiming to reduce invasiveness and complications.

Objective: To describe a novel Wi-Fi fiber-optic device for continuous ICP monitoring using smartphone in a swine model.

Methods: Two ICP sensors (wireless prototype and wire-based reference) were implanted in the cerebral parenchyma of a swine model for a total of 120 minutes of continuous monitoring. Every 5 minutes, jugular veins compression was performed to evaluate ICP changes. The experimentation was divided in 3 phases for comparison and analysis.

Results: Phase 1 showed agreement in ICP changes for both sensors during jugular compression and releasing, with a positive and strong Spearman correlation (r = 0.829, P < .001). Phase 2 started after inversion of the sensors in the burr holes; there was a positive and moderately weak Spearman correlation (r = 0.262, P < .001). For phase 3, the sensors were returned to the first burr holes; the prototype behaved similarly to the reference sensor, presenting a positive and moderately strong Spearman correlation (r = 0.669, P < .001).

Conclusion: A Wi-Fi ICP monitoring system was demonstrated in a comprehensive and feasible way. It was possible to observe, using smartphone, an adequate correlation regarding ICP variations. Further adaptations are already being developed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Intracranial Hypertension* / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Pressure*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Skull
  • Swine
  • Trephining