Intraoperative Monitoring

On this page

Intraoperative Monitoring - ASA's Vigilant Five

  • Oxygenation:
    • Inspired O2 analyzer (detects hypoxic mixture).
    • Pulse oximetry (SpO2 >92%; detects hypoxemia).
  • Ventilation:
    • Capnography (ETCO2 35-45 mmHg): Confirms ETT, assesses ventilation.
    • Clinical signs: chest rise, breath sounds.
  • Circulation:
    • ECG (continuous): Detects arrhythmias, ischemia.
    • Blood Pressure (NIBP/IBP): q3-5min; maintain MAP within 20% of baseline.
    • Peripheral pulse palpation/plethysmography.
  • Temperature:
    • Core temperature monitoring (e.g., esophageal, nasopharyngeal).
    • Maintain normothermia (36.0-37.5°C).
  • Neuromuscular Function (if NMBAs used):
    • Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS): Assesses block depth.
    • Train-of-Four (TOF) count/ratio (target TOF ratio >0.9 for safe extubation).

⭐ Capnography (ETCO2) is the most reliable method to confirm endotracheal tube placement immediately after intubation and continuously monitor ventilation adequacy during general anesthesia an

Intraoperative Monitoring - Heart's Beat & Flow

  • ECG: Standard 5-lead (II & V5 for ischemia). Detects arrhythmias, ischemia (ST >1mm), K+.
  • Invasive Cardiovascular Monitoring:
FeatureIBP (Arterial Line)CVP (Central Line)PAC (Swan-Ganz)
SiteRadialIJV (R)IJV (R) -> PA
MeasuresReal-time BP, MAP; ABGsRAP (2-6 mmHg); volumePAP, PCWP (6-12 mmHg), CO, SvO2
Key Ind.Unstable BP; ABGsMajor surgery; fluidsCardiac dx; shock; ARDS
WaveformArterial Line Waveform Changes in Different ArteriesRA/CVP Waveform Interpretation with ECG CorrelationPA Catheter Insertion and Pressure Waveforms

Intraoperative Monitoring - Breath by Breath

  • Capnography: Gold standard for ETT placement confirmation.
    • Measures $P_{ET}CO_2$; normal range 35-45 mmHg.
    • $P_{a}CO_2 - P_{ET}CO_2$ gradient: normally 2-5 mmHg; ↑ with ↑ dead space (e.g., PE, ↓ cardiac output).
    • Waveform: Phase I (baseline/dead space), II (expiratory upstroke), III (alveolar plateau), 0 (inspiratory downstroke).
    • 📌 Mnemonic: "No Trace, Wrong Place!" (for absent $P_{ET}CO_2$ after intubation).

    ⭐ Sudden ↓ $P_{ET}CO_2$ to 0 or near 0 indicates esophageal intubation, ventilator disconnect, or cardiac arrest.

  • Ventilator Parameters & Spirometry:
    • Tidal Volume ($V_T$): Target 6-8 mL/kg Ideal Body Weight.
    • Plateau Pressure ($P_{plat}$): Keep <30 cmH2O (lung protective ventilation).
    • Driving Pressure ($P_{plat}$ - PEEP): Aim for <15 cmH2O.
    • Loops (Volume-Pressure, Flow-Volume): Diagnose obstruction (e.g., bronchospasm), leaks, compliance changes.

Capnography Waveforms: Normal and Abnormal Patterns

Intraoperative Monitoring - Nerve & Muscle Check

Nerve (Depth of Anesthesia):

  • Bispectral Index (BIS):
    • Measures hypnotic effect. Range: 0-100.
    • Target for GA: 40-60.
    • < 40: Deep hypnosis; > 60: Risk of awareness.
    • BIS sensor placement for intraoperative monitoring

Muscle (Neuromuscular Blockade):

  • Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS) assesses NMB.
  • Stimulation Patterns:
    • Train-of-Four (TOF): T4/T1 ratio for recovery.
    • Post-Tetanic Count (PTC): Deep blocks (TOF=0).
    • Double Burst Stimulation (DBS): Detects residual block.
  • Sites: 📌 Ulnar nerve (adductor pollicis), Facial nerve (orbicularis oculi).
  • TOF monitor placement on ulnar nerve at wrist
  • TOF Ratio & Clinical Correlation:
    TOF Ratio (T4/T1)Clinical Correlation
    > 0.9Safe extubation
    0.7 - 0.9Residual weakness; diplopia
    < 0.7Significant blockade; ↓ resp. function
    0 (No T4)Deep block

⭐ TOF ratio > 0.9 (adductor pollicis) crucial for safe extubation, prevents post-op respiratory complications.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Standard ASA monitoring (ECG, NIBP, SpO2, Temperature, EtCO2) is universally mandatory.
  • ECG leads II & V5 are vital for detecting arrhythmias & myocardial ischemia.
  • Capnography (EtCO2): gold standard for ET tube placement & monitors ventilation adequacy.
  • Pulse oximetry (SpO2) monitors oxygenation; <90% signals critical hypoxemia.
  • Neuromuscular monitoring (TOF ratio) guides muscle relaxant administration and reversal.
  • Core temperature monitoring prevents hypothermia & detects malignant hyperthermia.

Practice Questions: Intraoperative Monitoring

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following is not a cardiovascular monitoring technique

1 of 5

Flashcards: Intraoperative Monitoring

1/10

Which inhalational agent is used along with other agents to hasten the induction of anesthesia?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which inhalational agent is used along with other agents to hasten the induction of anesthesia?_____

Nitrous oxide

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial