Diametrics pin-points neonatal sensor insertion problems:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Investigations by UK firm Diametrics Medical into insertion problems with its Neotrend-L multiparameter neonatal sensor have resulted in users being urged to better observe the manufacturer's user instructions. There have been at least seven incidents where buckling of the sensor system, as a result of forcing its insertion into the umbilical artery catheter, has resulted in blood leakage, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reported. The sensor is used for continuous monitoring of blood parameters (pH, pCO2, pO2 and temperature) in neonatal intensive and special care units. The High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire firm has concluded that initial resistance upon insertion of the sensor is due to friction at the joint between the narrow diameter of the sensing region and the solid wall on the sensor.