The New TL-150 Tensymeter® Continuous Noninvasive BP (CNBP) Versus Direct Radial Artery Measurement of Labile Blood Pressure

Ron Dueck, M.D. (Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego and VA San Diego Health System, San Diego, CA)

Presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2005 Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA. Anesthesiology. 2005;103:A832.

Introduction:

Tensys® TL-150 sensor (T-Line®) calibration begins with radial artery compression (or applanation) until maximum pulse pressure is acquired, identifying mean arterial BP. Systolic and diastolic BP are scaled in part via body mass index, and in part via compliance measurements and pulse pressure as obtained from the external sensor. Continuous calibration is then maintained via statistical pressure modulation of the sensor over the artery to optimize beat-to-beat maximum pulse pressure. We therefore examined the ability of the TL-150 to track clinically significant abrupt BP changes during surgery.

Methods:

We compared the rate of T-Line® BP change with contralateral radial artery A-line BP change during 14 labile BP episodes in 6 surgical patients with IRB-approved informed consent. Both BP change and rate of change were compared, using paired-T analysis.

Results:

Acute TL-150 BP changes ranged from +49.1 to -71.5 mm Hg, over 134 to 835 sec, and were NS different from A-Line BP changes (see Table 1). The rate of change in BP ranged from 0.04 to 0.35 mm Hg/sec, and was also NS different. Two example plots illustrate the ability of the T-Line® to follow changes in arterial BP (see figure1 and figure2). Note that Case 7 has evidence of A-line flushing that does not affect the T-Line®.

Discussion:

In comparison with A-line BP, the new TL-150 CNBP monitor shows stable and reliable beat-to-beat calibration and measurement during abrupt, severe BP changes. [table 1] [figure 1] [figure 2]