Forehead oximetry in critically ill patients: the case for a new monitoring site.
Pulse oximetry is a ubiquitous monitor in anesthesia and critical care and is often considered the fifth vital sign. Under conditions of normal perfusion and temperature, the finger probe is the most common and effective sensor. In the presence of hypotension, hypoperfusion,and hypothermia, however, the finger sensor is often unable to detect a pulsatile signal. Another site and sensor are necessary to monitor these patients effectively. This article describes the search for this site, the choice of the forehead, and preliminary data regarding the use of this sensor site.
Division of Trauma/Critical Care, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Bethesda Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207, USA. bransord@ucmail.uc.edu
Richard D
RD
Branson
Paul D
PD
Mannheimer
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D005546:Forehead / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000097:blood; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010092:Oximetry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology
D010100:Oxygen