Brain Oximeter Approved for Noncerebral Tissue Monitoring

An expanded label will permit a cerebral oximeter to determine oxygen saturation level in musculoskeletal applications as well.

The Fore-Sight Elite cerebral oximeter provides a highly accurate, noninvasive, continuous measurement of absolute oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in cerebral tissue. Following upgraded software for noncerebral applications, the system can now also offer direct monitoring of otherwise unrecognized and dangerously low levels of oxygenation in other tissues as well. The oximeter now has the ability to monitor up to four channels of oxygenation from four sensors simultaneously, reporting the results in an easy-to-use, high contrast viewing screen that has intuitive touch-screen controls.


Five wavelengths of light are used to interrogate tissues under the optical sensor, allowing extremely accurate measurement of oxygenation levels, noninvasive and continuous measurement in perioperative settings, and spot checks to instantly evaluate cerebral and muskoskeletal oxygen saturation status. The system works in a wide variety of perfusion conditions, including low or zero perfusion states. Measurements are not affected by patient temperature, and the data is updated every two seconds. The Fore-Sight Elite oximeter is a product of CAS Medical Systems (CASMED, Branford, CT, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“We are delighted to receive this expanded indication, which shows our Company's commitment to continually expand and upgrade the quality and application of Fore-Sight for our customers,” said Tom Patton, president and CEO of CASMED. “While this new application represents a modest incremental market opportunity, it may help to increase utilization as clinicians who monitor skeletal muscles also tend to monitor both hemispheres of the brain at the same time.”

Oxygen saturation is a term referring to the concentration of oxygen in blood hemoglobin. Healthy individuals at sea level usually exhibit oxygen saturation values of 96%–99%, and should be above 94%. Blood oxygen levels below 80% may compromise organ function, such as the brain and heart, and should be promptly addressed; continued low oxygen levels may lead to respiratory or cardiac arrest.

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