A comparison of subdermal wire electrodes with collodion-applied disk electrodes in long-term EEG recordings in ICU

Objective: To compare long-term electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings of standard collodion-applied scalp disk electrodes (SDEs) with newly developed subdermal wire electrodes (SWEs) in comatose intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: Ten comatose ICU patients had simultaneous recordings from 8 active SDEs and 8 active SVV'E for > 24 h. The timing and number of 60 Hz and other electrode artifacts were compared for each set of electrodes by an EEGer who read the recordings in a blinded manner. Results: Sixty Hertz artifact was seen in 16 of 80 SDE and one of 80 SWEs within the first 6 h (P = 0.0002). Large, persistent artifacts occurred in 30/80 SDE and 8 of 80 SWE (P=0.0001). Motion artifact with chest physiotherapy was more common in SWEs. Conclusions: SWE are less susceptible to artifacts and are more suitable for the long-term EEG monitoring in ICU. Significance: This is the first controlled study that demonstrates the superiority of SWEs compared to SDEs in an ICU population. (c) 2006 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.