In this paper we investigate an in-line concept for continuous monitoring of sodium, potassium, calcium and urea concentrations in blood serum using ion-selective electrodes. This concept is evaluated in a preclinical study with human packed red blood cells as a test medium. It has been shown that the electrolytes can be well monitored. In addition, we present the first measurements with ion-sensitive field-effect transistors in a miniaturized sensor assembly using a novel readout electronics.

We present a novel method for measuring dynamic changes in respiration parameters due to breathing based on the coupling of two ultra-high-frequency antennae. Our sensor system shows a high reproducibility and a timing similar to a conventional flow sensor. The presented method is a promising candidate to overcome some of the most important technical burdens of measuring respiratory parameters and might be used as a trigger for patient–ventilator synchronization in infants and neonates.

Computed tomography (CT) is an important imaging technology which enables minimally invasive procedures. Uncertainties in imaging lead to erroneous initial conditions for the navigation process during minimally invasive surgery and result in a higher risk of unintended injuries. To minimize the risk, the uncertainties of the imaging process need to be estimated and considered during the planning of a procedure. A method for estimating the uncertainty is demonstrated.

A dialysis treatment with an individual dialysis fluid composition can prevent certain complications during treatment. For this purpose, it is necessary to know the exact electrolyte concentrations in the blood. In this work, we present a concept for continuous in-line monitoring of electrolyte concentrations using ion-selective electrodes separated from the blood flow by a dialysis membrane. First investigations of this concept show no hemolysis and a relative error of less than 0.5 %.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The laboratory results of a novel measurement approach for the internal eye pressure are presented, with an uncertainty of less than 1 mmHg. A physical model explaining the relation between eye pressure and the damping ratio of a coupled mechanical system is defined. This provides design parameters for a handheld self-tonometer for Glaucoma diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up, with high application potential in ophthalmology.