[Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation in the jugular vein bulb in severe head injuries. Management and case reviews].

Since october 1996, the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital of Navarra has carried out continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation in the bulb of the internal jugular vein (SjO2). This technique, used in patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma (SCET), is designed to facilitate care an ensure the use of adequate therapeutic measures in such patients. The present study has two parts: In the first part, SjO2 monitoring is defined and catheter insertion techniques, technical problems, and nursing care are described. In the second part, a retrospective review is made of patients admitted to the unit from october 1996 to october 1997 who underwent SjO2 monitoring. A total of 11 cases are included, the common features of which were: SCET, intracranial pressure over 20 mmHg, Glasgow score of 8 or less, and abnormal CAT study. This study provides a basis for developing a nursing protocol because familiarity with the technique allows problems to be prevented and/or resolved.