Antithrombogenic pO2Sensor for Continuous Intravascular Oxygen Monitoring

Abstract

An antithrombogenic pO2 sensor (Anthron® pO2 sensor) was produced by coating a hydropholic heparinized polymer (Anthron) on an etched epoxy composite, ultra-microelectrode (microhole electrode). From the in vitro tests, both the response time and stability were satisfactory under the conditions of a 20 μm thickness of Anthron coating and a depth up to 100 μm for the microhole. Additionally, results of in vivo tests without systemic heparinization demonstrated that a stable real-time measurement of the intravascular p02 value was possible for a long period without thrombus formation or adhesion of blood components on the electrode surface of the Anthron pO2 sensor. Moreover, the measured data agreed with those from the blood gas analyzer. Due to the thick thrombus formation on the electrode surface, the control (non-coated) sensor was unable to measure the intravascular pO2, even for a short period of time.