BACKGROUND: Transcranial cerebral oximetry was developed for early detection of cerebral hypoxia and to avoid cerebral dysfunctions. However, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) data obtained during surgery are subject to intrinsic and extrinsic influences that have to be accounted for when interpreting the recordings. METHODS: We developed an NIRS matrix to provide brief information for specific intervention to correct changes of cerebral oxygen saturation (COS). Selected vital data and the descriptors of cerebrovascular and neurofunctional status were linked to logistic chains. RESULTS: The matrix is horizontally and vertically grouped and contains five descriptors: 1. change of COS; 2. key variable (parameter related to the change of COS); 3. associated parameters (vital data that do not cause COS alterations); 4. interpretation of values or preconditions most probably due to COS changes; and 5. the intervention most likely to normalize the COS or return it to baseline. The descriptors are grouped horizontally to a logistics chain. CONCLUSION: The modular expandable NIRS matrix we describe has promise for clinical use in surgical, neurointerventional, and anaesthesiological contexts.
BACKGROUND: Transcranial cerebral oximetry was developed for early detection of cerebral hypoxia and to avoid cerebral dysfunctions. However, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) data obtained during surgery are subject to intrinsic and extrinsic influences that have to be accounted for when interpreting the recordings. METHODS: We developed an NIRS matrix to provide brief information for specific intervention to correct changes of cerebral oxygen saturation (COS). Selected vital data and the descriptors of cerebrovascular and neurofunctional status were linked to logistic chains. RESULTS: The matrix is horizontally and vertically grouped and contains five descriptors: 1. change of COS; 2. key variable (parameter related to the change of COS); 3. associated parameters (vital data that do not cause COS alterations); 4. interpretation of values or preconditions most probably due to COS changes; and 5. the intervention most likely to normalize the COS or return it to baseline. The descriptors are grouped horizontally to a logistics chain. CONCLUSION: The modular expandable NIRS matrix we describe has promise for clinical use in surgical, neurointerventional, and anaesthesiological contexts.