Forum,

We are looking to purchase a NICO monitor from respironics. Does anyone use this monitor. I have found that the side stream port for ETCO2 always gets filled with condensation. Although you can get some good information from NICO, I don't think it's worth the cost.

Opinions appreciated,

GJ

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GJ,RRT,

I was recently told that The NICO is not a side stream port, sorry. Regardless of the type of port, it still always gets filled with condensation.

GJ

We looked at the NICO as well and even though the information can be useful it wasn't worth the cost especially since a lot of the information we get currently with Swanz Ganz catheters and enhancements to our ventilators.

This is a great machine well worth the cost in conjuction with the Esprit vent. We have been using it here at St Elizabeth's hospital in Brighton Ma. for over a year and find the physiologic feedback invaluable to making ventilator changes and developing plans. You can get actual breath to breath monitoring of VCo2 and other parameters like Etco2, VD/VT ratios and of coarse monitor C.O. without a swan.

Once you see it in action at the bedside you will be impressed.It has many uses for repiratory care. I would not dismiss this with out fully investigating it. Best of Luck, John