TARGET-UP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Targeted perfusion based haemodynamic management in critically ill patients using urethral perfusion – a pilot study
IRAS ID
315717
Contact name
Sam Hutchings
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to help us improve the way we monitor patients who are critically ill and requiring support for their cardiovascular system (heart, blood vessels and blood). Patients with critical illness frequently require advanced monitoring in order to determine whether the flow of blood to vital organs is adequate. Current monitoring devices focus on assessing either blood pressure, which is poor at detecting changes in tissue blood flow, or flow within the heart and larger blood vessels. Furthermore some of these monitoring devices require dedicated training in order to interpret the results. A new monitoring device called IKORUS UP, which is mounted on the tip of a urinary catheter (a device universally inserted into the bladder of critically ill patients to drain urine), produces a numerical signal based on the degree of blood flow detected in the tissues of the urethra (the small tube draining urine from the body). The signal produced by this device may be more sensitive in detecting important changes in blood flow than that measured by conventional devices. In addition, once inserted the device requires no user input and produces a continuous signal that may reflect real time changes in blood flow. Interpretation of the signal from the monitor requires minimal training and would be easily understood by any doctor responsible for managing acutely ill patients.
This study assesses this new monitoring technique to ensure its feasibility (ability to produce a quality output signal over time) and ability to provide real time responses to changes in patient blood volume and pressure. Ultimately optimising blood flow to organs, using this potentially easy to use device, during critical illness or injury could lead to improved long term outcomes for the sickest patients.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0911
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion