A Portable and Rugged Base-Deficit Monitor

Base deficit is a useful guide for fluid resuscitation of trauma patients and can be used for early identification of patients at high risk for shock related complications. The military has identified the value of determining based deficit in the field which would greatly improve the care of injured soldiers, particularly those with unrecognized or compensated shock and would also allow the more judicious use of limited resources. This Phase II proposal describes the development of a field-deployable, hand-held base deficit monitor using commercially available, off-the-shelf components. The technology consists of a hand-held, reusable device and disposable sample cartridges. The Phase I research demonstrated that the proposed technology can successfully measure the pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in animal blood throughout the physiologically relevant ranges. In Phase II, Lynntech will exploit our established relationship with a world leader in the manufacture of small electronic devices to design, build, and test a hand-held base deficit monitor. The device will be clinically tested at a nationally recognized emergency medicine research institution. The Phase II effort will include showcasing the technology to potential Phase III partners and culminate with the delivery of the prototype hand-held system to the U.S. Army.