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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Real-Time Monitoring of Neurocritical Patients with Diffuse Optical Spectroscopies
Published on: November 19, 2020
The physiology behind direct brain oxygen monitors and practical aspects of their use
Eileen Maloney-Wilensky1, Peter Le Roux
1Clinical Research Division, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, 330 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Introduction:
Secondary neuronal injury is implicated in poor outcome after acute neurological insults. Outcome can be improved with protocol-driven therapy. These therapies have largely been based on monitoring and control of intracranial pressure and the maintenance of an adequate cerebral perfusion pressure.
Discussion:
In recent years, brain tissue oxygen partial pressure (PbtO2) monitoring has emerged as a clinically useful modality and a complement to intracranial pressure monitors. This review examines the physiology of PbtO2 monitors and practical aspects of their use.
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