Novel Monitor Detects Pediatric Brain Tissue Ischemia Events

A near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based monitoring device automatically accounts for pediatric brain tissue development variation when measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels.

The Equanox Advance Model 8004CB Series Sensor is intended for neonatal and pediatric patients weighing up to 40 kilograms, and is designed for use with the Equanox Advance Model 7600 Oximetry System. The combined systems provide several advantages, including cerebral and somatic position monitoring, with up to four channels displayed on one screen for monitoring oxygen saturation in the brain and somatic sites on the body, including kidney and liver sites.


The device utilizes dual-light emitting and four-wavelength-accuracy detector sensor architecture, which more effectively targets the cerebral cortex, eliminating surface artifacts that interfere with measurement accuracy. This results in an accurate measure of tissue saturation at a point in time, not just relative or trending accuracy of changes. The elimination of interference also affords rapid, reliable response to change, without signal instability and interruptions from ambient electrical and light interferences.

The lightweight, durable monitor has a long battery life and pole-mounting capability for continually monitoring patients during intrahospital transport. Data output is available via Bluetooth wireless technology or RS232 connection. The device can also interface with the PhilipsVueLink, the Philips CompuRecord Anesthesia Information System, the Spectrum Medical VIPER Independent Data Management System, and the Sorin Perfusion Data Management System. The Equanox Advance Model 8004CB Series Sensor and Advance Model 7600 Oximetry System are products of Nonin Medical (Minneapolis, MN, USA).

“Until now, pediatric cerebral/somatic oximetry sensors have essentially been trimmed versions of adult sensors. Nonin's 8004CB Sensor is designed specifically for pediatric patients,” said Kevin McGowan, vice president of global sales for Nonin Medical. “The sensor features adhesive and nonadhesive versions for delicate skin, a small footprint for space-saving placement, short light-path spacing for pediatric-appropriate tissue-depth readings, and Nonin's dynamic compensation algorithm for calculating accurate, patient-specific values.”

“The problem is, light attenuation of pediatric brain tissue changes with age, and varies from patient to patient, which can impact traditional cerebral oximetry systems,” said Dean Kurth, MD, anesthesiologist-in-chief at Cincinnati Children's Hospital (OH, USA). “Nonin's new 8004CB Sensor, with its Dynamic Compensation algorithm, is the first sensor to automatically adjust for pediatric brain myelination changes. So now physicians have a single-sensor solution that provides oxygen saturation readings based on the child's true physiology.”

Related Links:
Nonin Medical
Cincinnati Children's Hospital