Telemonitoring in NIV: the impact of sensor positioning on pressure and flow measurements

Introduction The Nivol-Mina (Vivardis, France) is a new device designed for integration into NIV circuits. It measures pressure and flow waveforms, FiO₂, temperature and relative humidity, and transmits this data to the cloud, which may enable device-independent telemonitoring. Before clinical use, its placement must be validated. Aim To study the effect of Nivol-Mina’s position within the ventilatory circuit on pressure and flow measurements. Methods A bench study was conducted using a NIV device (PrismaVent, Löwenstein) connected to a test lung via tubing of three diameters (15, 19, 22 mm). The Nivol-Mina was tested in two positions: between ventilator and tubing (loc-1) and between tubing and test lung (loc-2). NIV was set to three pressure settings (IPAP/EPAP: 15/5, 20/5, 25/10 cmH₂O). Results Pressure amplitudes were consistently higher at loc-1, especially with smaller tubing and higher pressures. Expiratory pressure differences ranged from 0.1-0.7 cmH₂O and maximal pressure differences ranged from 0.4-3.1 cmH₂O. Flow amplitudes were consistent, with a max difference of 2.8 L/min at flows exceeding 100 L/min (largest tubing, highest pressure). Waveform shapes were visually nearly identical (Fig 1). Conclusions Both positions are viable for monitoring, especially with middle to large tubing and lower pressures. While loc-2 reflects patient-delivered pressure more accurately, loc-1 may offer a more patient-friendly setup. erjor;12/suppl_17/118/F1 F1 F1