Evaluation of a Respiratory Rate Monitor in Postsurgical Patients

Study Objective: To evaluate the clinical use of a cardiorespiratory rate monitor in patients receiving epidural opioids following major surgery.

Design: For 6 hours during the night following surgery, patients were continuously monitored with a cardiorespiratory rate monitor and a pulse oximeter, as well as by an in-room observer.

Setting: Postoperative surgical ward at a university hospital.

Patients: Eight ASA physical status I and II patients ages 30 to 76 years.

Interventions: Any bradypneic, hypoxemic, bradycardic, or tachycardic event was confirmed by the observer and recorded.

Measurements And Main Results: The cardiorespiratory rate monitor accurately identified true bradypneic episodes in five of the eight patients. There were no false-positive alarms. The respiratory rate monitor and the pulse oximeter identified one episode of hypoxemia. There were no episodes of bradycardia or tachycardia.

Conclusions: The cardiorespiratory rate monitor is useful in patients at risk for bradypnea following surgery.