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Pressure and Laparoscopic Surgery Part 2

Welcome to All Sensors “Put the Pressure on Us” blog. This blog brings out pressure sensor aspects in a variety of applications inspired by headlines, consumer and industry requirements, market research, government activities, and you.

Pressure and Laparoscopic Surgery Part 2

The intravenous (IV) tube delivers saline and other chemicals to the patient before, during and after the laparoscopic surgery. Following the standard procedure, the IV bag is hung at least 3 feet above an adult patient’s heart to ensure there is sufficient pressure to keep the IV running at a constant rate. The height of three feet ensures a minimal pressure of 67.2 mmHg.

In addition to carbon dioxide (CO₂) pressure, blood pressure measurements and other pressures are involved in laparoscopic surgery. Three examples include an intravenous (IV) tube, spirometer, and an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device.

A spirometer can be used to increase the patient’s post-surgery lung capacity. The process involves a graduated scale on a closed air cylinder, a movable piston, and a pointer. With an incentive spirometer, the patient inhales for as long as possible while holding the pointer within a specific range (constant negative pressure) to demonstrate lung capacity. Periodic usage helps patients to increase their post-surgery capability. Desired capacity can vary depending on age, height, and other factors but values around 2500 ml are not uncommon.

Image of an An intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device on the end of a hospital bed. The screen shows an illustration of three zones of the leg to which the device is applying a cycling pressure. — Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) device

An intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device cuff around a man's leg, with a blue hospital sock at the bottom. The leg is resting on a hospital bed. — A leg encased in an Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) cuff

An intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device applies a cycling pressure (figure shows three zones) to the leg after laparoscopic surgery to prevent a Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE). The device uses a cuff around each leg that are periodically and sequentially (from ankle towards the heart) filled with air and squeeze the patient’s legs. This process increases blood flow through the veins of the legs and helps prevent blood clots.

For other pressures involved in laparoscopic surgery see Pressure and Laparoscopic Surgery Part 1.

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Pressure Sensors in Medical Applications

Pressure Sensors in Medical Applications

According to a recent market report from Mordor Intelligence, a market intelligence and advisory service, the medical sensors market was valued at USD 12.36 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach a value of USD 20.72 billion by 2025, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.07% over the forecast period (2020 – 2025). The report identifies the significant role that pressure sensors play in medical sensor market. Specific pressure sensor applications include:

respiratory breathing circuits (nebulizers, spirometers, patient monitoring)
flow/pressure control (therapeutic hospital beds)
gas collection (hospital gas supply, oxygen concentrators)
sampling/gas flow (blood analysis, gas chromatography, analytical instrument sampling systems)

A specific example of a home health system is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respiratory therapy equipment that can use high sensitivity and accurate pressure sensors.

Also, to avoid poor inhaler techniques that prevent patients from receiving their full therapeutic benefits when using inhalers, some medical equipment manufacturers use pressure sensors in inhalers so individuals can receive proper asthma treatment.

All Sensors offers different types of pressure sensors for many medical applications.

Typical components and potential locations for pressure sensors in a ventilator.
Source: https://allsensors.com/applications

Comments/Questions?
Do you have a pressure sensing question? Let us know and we’ll address it in an upcoming blog.
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Pressure Sensing in Healthcare

Welcome to All Sensors “Put the Pressure on Us” blog. This blog will bring out pressure sensor aspects in a variety of applications inspired by headlines, consumer and industry requirements, market research, government activities and you. This blog explores pressure sensing in healthcare.

Pressure Sensing in Healthcare

When we’re young, it seems that the thermometer is the essential measurement to determine well versus sick. As we age, pressure becomes increasingly important. Initially, it determines a proper blood pressure level—with less than 120 over 80 (mm Hg) being the desired range.

Proper eye care involves glaucoma testing that uses pressure to determine the onset of this disease. Normal intraocular pressures average between 12-22 mm Hg.

A common tool for detecting the onset of respiratory problems is the spirometer or pneumotachograph. In this case, the reading is airflow rate calculated from a change in pressure drop (∆P) during inhaling and exhaling and can also be used for indirect measurement of lung volumes and capacities. The actual differential pressure measurement is quite low, typically requiring a sensor with as low as ±500 P (±3.75 mm Hg) range to obtain acceptable resolution.

These are the more common pressure measurements that separate a heathy from a sick person. Those with health problems may learn the difference between in vivo and ex vivo pressure measurements, and the use of pressure measurements in respirators, ventilators and more.

What do you think/Comments?
Do you have a pressure sensing question? Let me know and I’ll address it in an upcoming blog.
-Dan DeFalco, Marketing Manager, All Sensors Corporation ([email protected])