Development of an oximeter for neurology

Abstract

Cerebral desaturation can occur during surgery manipulation, whereas otherparameters vary insignificantly. Prolonged intervals of cerebral anoxia can cause seriousdamage to the nervous system. Commonly used method for measurement of cerebral bloodflow uses invasive catheters. Other techniques include single photon emission computedtomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). Tomographic methods frequently use isotope administration, that may result inanaphylactic reactions to contrast media and associated nerve diseases. Moreover, the high costand the need for continuous monitoring make it difficult to apply these techniques in clinicalpractice. Cerebral oximetry is a method for measuring oxygen saturation using infraredspectrometry. Moreover reflection pulse oximetry can detect sudden changes in sympathetictone. For this purpose the reflectance pulse oximeter for use in neurology is developed.Reflectance oximeter has a definite advantage as it can be used to measure oxygen saturation inany part of the body. Preliminary results indicate that the device has a good resolution and highreliability. Modern applied schematics have improved device characteristics compared withexisting ones.