Microdialysis can be used for continuous monitoring of interstitial metabolite changes in various tissues. The microdialyzation unit is a semipermeable unit which is perfused with a neutral solution using a high performan- ce pump. The microdialyzation catheter is placed in the interstitial space of the tissue to be examined. This method is widely used for animal studies but there is increasing interest in the possible use of microdialysis as an in situ clinical monitor.

        Key words: microdialysis, interstitium.