A fibre optic oxygen sensor that detects rapid PO2 changes under simulated conditions of cyclical atelectasis in vitro

Highlights • Real time detection of cyclical atelectasis is fundamental for individualised mechanical-ventilation therapy in ARDS. • Intra-arterial oxygen sensors could be used to detect the breath-by-breath oscillations in PO2 during cyclical atelectasis. • The fidelity with which oxygen sensors can detect these arterial PO2 oscillations depends on the sensors’ speed of response. • We present a system for testing fast-response fibre optic oxygen sensors under simulated conditions of cyclical atelectasis. • We show that a prototype fibre optic oxygen sensor, compatible with clinical use, can detect rapid PO2 changes in vitro.