NIRS monitoring
Pronunciation: NEARS monitoring
Also written as: NIRS — Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring of tissue oxygenation, particularly cerebral and somatic saturation in pediatric anesthesia.
Full Definition
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring provides non-invasive, continuous assessment of regional tissue oxygen saturation in pediatric patients during anesthesia. NIRS sensors placed on the forehead measure cerebral oxygen saturation, while somatic sensors on the flank or extremities monitor peripheral tissue perfusion. This technology is particularly valuable in pediatric cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and cases where cerebral perfusion may be compromised. Normal cerebral oxygen saturation ranges from 55-75% in children, with decreases of 20% from baseline or absolute values below 40% indicating potential ischemia requiring intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize NIRS; spell out on first use in documents.
In Context
- "NIRS monitoring showed a drop in cerebral saturation to 35% during cardiopulmonary bypass, prompting flow adjustment." — Intraoperative record
- "We initiated NIRS monitoring for this complex spine surgery given the prone positioning and risk of cerebral desaturation." — Anesthesia plan