A Cerebral Sensor Measures Neonatal Oxygen Levels

A cerebral oximeter sensor uses harmless near infrared (IR) light projected through the scalp and skull and into the brain, allowing non-invasive, continuous absolute cerebral oxygen saturation measurements of neonatal and infant patients that weigh above 2,500 grams.

The Fore-Sight Cerebral Oximeter can accurately detect low cerebral oxygen saturation events during critical periods allowing clinicians to intervene and reverse potentially life-threatening events before brain damage occurs. The oximeter works via a disposable sensor on the patient's forehead, and is based on the principle that blood contains hemoglobin in two primary forms, oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb). These two forms of hemoglobin absorb light in different and measurable ways. Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) levels are found by determining the ratio of oxygenated hemoglobin to total hemoglobin at the microvascular level (arterioles, venules, and capillaries) in the region of the brain that is interrogated.

The laser light is projected into the brain in four precise wavelengths, needed to maximize the measurement accuracy of oxy and deoxy hemoglobin in determining SctO2, to compensate for wavelength dependent scattering losses, and to account for interference from other background light absorbers (such as fluid, tissue, and skin pigmentation). Reflected light is captured by detectors positioned on the sensor for optimal signal collection, and subtraction of interference from tissues outside the brain;
after analyzing the reflected light, the oximeter displays the cerebral tissue oxygen-saturation level on the monitor as an absolute number and provides a graphical representation of historical values. Cerebral oximeter absolute values are updated every 2 seconds. The Fore-Sight Cerebral Oximeter Infant Sensor is a product of CAS Medical Systems (Casmed, Branford, CN, USA), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"With expanded indications for use into the neonate setting, an additional essential patient population can now benefit from noninvasive, continuous absolute cerebral oxygen saturation measurements,” said Andrew Kersey, President and CEO of Casmed.

Measuring cerebral oxygen saturation is vital for a variety of neonatal patients, including those born with congenital heart defects that affect the ability of the heart to supply oxygenated blood to the brain. The sensor is intended for use in the neonatal and infant cardiovascular operating room, the cardiac intensive care unit, and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Of the approximately four million births that occur in the U.S. each year, nearly 4% of babies are born with a birth defect and about 12% are born preterm (less than 37 weeks gestation).


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