Combined Somatic and Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring in Liver Transplantation: A Novel Approach to Clinical Diagnosis

NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (NIRS) is a noninvasive continuous monitor of the balance between tissue oxygen delivery and consumption.1,2 NIRS reflects real-time changes in the microcirculatory tissue perfusion, and as such, allows for rapid feedback on tissue perfusion for a patient who otherwise may appear adequately resuscitated from a macrohemodynamic perspective.3 –5 NIRS is a nonspecific diagnostic tool that must be interpreted within the appropriate clinical context. Abnormal values merely suggest a problem may exist; it is incumbent upon the clinician to interpret the data to make a diagnosis and an intervention.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research