Non-invasive oximetry for early detection of cerebral and somatic ischaemia during corrective surgery for aortic coarctation in paediatric patients.

摘要

Editor-We read with interest the article on the use of near infrared spectroscopy (MRS) as an index of cerebral and tissue oxygenation, which represents an important development in the detection of cerebral ischaemia, and also splanchnic and renal ischaemia. During cardiac surgery, especially in young children, important haemo-dynamic changes occur such as acute hypotension and cardiac arrest, which may cause cerebral ischaemia. These patients, particularly during surgical correction of aortic coarctation, may be exposed to renal and intestinal injuries due to ischaemia and reperfusion after surgical repair. It has been described as post-coarctectomy syndrome, characterized among other symptoms by abdominal pain, fever, oliguria, and paradoxical hypertension. Information on the regional oxygen saturation may assist in evaluation and management of ischaemic problems and ensure proper vascular perfusion.