In vivo testing of the Pressio intracranial pressure monitor: the EPIC study

Objective Measuring reliable intracranial pressure (ICP) is critical for patients with acute brain injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate zero-drift of the intra-parenchymal strain gauge Pressio transducer (Sophysa, Orsay, France) in clinical conditions. Methods A prospective, observational multicentre study was conducted in 4 French intensive care units (ICU) of university hospitals. Patients with acute brain injuries were included if they needed ICP measurement using the Pressio transducer. The zero drift was measured at explanation of the sensor. ICP-related adverse events were also collected. Results Between 01/01/2018 and 31/03/2020, 235 patients were included in this study for a monitoring time of 2180 days. The zero-drift assessment was determined in 223 transducers (95%). The median duration of ICP monitoring was 8 days (interquartile [IQR] 4 to 13 days). The median zero drift was 1 mmHg (IQR 1 to 3) and a weak correlation was observed between the duration of ICP monitoring and zero drift (⍴=0.141; P = 0.0357), which lacks clinical significance. Zero drifts higher than 5 mmHg were found in 10% of transducers. Four patients (1.8%) had ICP-related hematomas, with no clinical impact, and none had ICP-related brain infection. Failures or technical dysfunctions of the monitoring were found in 6 patients (2.6%). Conclusion The Pressio catheter from the Sophysa system exhibited a minor zero drift after a median monitoring period of 8 days. This transducer's performance was comparable to that of other intracranial pressure devices utilizing strain gauge technology.