Assessment of a Non Invasive Brain Oximeter in Volunteers Undergoing Acute Hypoxia.

Abstract

Introduction: Research in traumatic brain injury suggests better patient outcomes when invasive oxygen monitoring is used to detect and correct episodes of brain hypoxia. Invasive brain oxygen monitoring is, however, not routinely used due to the risks, costs and technical challengers. We are developing a non-invasive brain oximeter to address these limitations. The monitor uses the principles of pulse oximetry to record a brain photoplethysmographic waveform and oxygen saturations. We undertook a study in volunteers to assess the new monitor. Patients and Methods: We compared the temporal changes in the brain and skin oxygen saturations in six volunteers undergoing progressive hypoxia to re..