Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

A Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Failure with a Continuous Infusion of Oleic Acid
Published on: March 8, 2024
A pilot study of neonatal and pediatric esophageal pulse oximetry
Panayiotis A Kyriacou1, Deric P Jones, Richard M Langford
1School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, City University, London, EC1V 0HB, UK. p.kyriacou@city.ac.uk
Background:
In this pilot study we explored the suitability of the esophagus as a new measuring site for blood oxygen saturation (Spo(2)) in neonates.
Methods:
A new miniaturized esophageal pulse oximeter has been developed. Five patients (one child and four neonates) were studied.
Results:
Spo(2) values were obtained in the esophagus of all patients. A Bland and Altman plot of the difference between Spo(2) values from the esophageal pulse oximeter and a commercial toe pulse oximeter against their mean showed that the bias and the limits of agreement between the two pulse oximeters were +0.3% and +1.7% to -1.0%, respectively.
Conclusions:
This study suggests that the esophagus can be used as an alternative site for monitoring blood oxygen saturation in children and neonates.
Related Concept Videos
Pulse Oximetry
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.

