Development of a new splanchnic perfusion sensor.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Physiology

Background:

• Continuous monitoring of splanchnic organ oxygen saturation (SpO2) is crucial for early detection of inadequate tissue oxygenation.
• Failure to detect hypoperfusion can lead to severe ischemia, multiple organ failure, and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and technically evaluate a fiber optic-based reflectance pulse oximeter sensor system for continuous splanchnic SpO2 monitoring.
• To enable intra-operative, pre-operative, and post-operative use of the sensor.

Main Methods:

• Design of a fiber optic reflectance pulse oximeter sensor and processing system.
• Investigation of optimal source-emitter spacing for the sensor.
• In vivo thermal testing of the sensor at the splanchnic tissue site.

Main Results:

• Optimal source-emitter spacing for the sensor was determined to be between 3mm and 6mm.
• In vivo thermal testing indicated insignificant temperature rise at the fiber tip, ensuring safety for splanchnic tissue.

Conclusions:

• The developed fiber optic sensor system is suitable for continuous splanchnic SpO2 monitoring.
• The sensor's design and thermal properties suggest it can be safely used in clinical settings for improved patient monitoring and outcomes.