In-vivo evaluation of a fiber-optic splanchnic photoplethysmographic sensor during open laparotomy

There is a need for a reliable and continuous monitoring of abdominal organ oxygen saturation (SpO(2)). Splanchnic ischemia may ultimately lead to cellular hypoxia and necrosis and may well contribute to the development of multiple organ failures and increased mortality. A new prototype reflectance fiber optic photoplethysmographic sensor and signal processing system was evaluated on six anaesthetized patients undergoing elective laparotomy. PPG signals were obtained from various organs, including large and small bowel, liver, and stomach. The normalized amplitudes of the splanchnic PPG signals were in good agreement with those obtained from the periphery using an identical fiber optic sensor. Furthermore, average SpO(2) values were in good agreement and showed correlation with those obtained from a commercial system. These preliminary results suggest that a miniaturized 'indwelling' fiber optic sensor may be a suitable method for pre-operative and post-operative evaluation of splanchnic organ SpO(2) and their health.