Near-infrared spectroscopy: An important tool during the blalock-taussig shunt

Abstract

Near infra red spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive diagnostic tool for measuring regional oxygen saturation (rSO2). Cerebral oxygenation measured with NIRS is used to corroborate mixed venous oxygenation and hence considered an indicator of tissue perfusion. We describe NIRS guiding an anatomical variation leading to inadequate cerebral circulation or any impairment in cerebral oxygen delivery during Blalock Taussig shunt.

Keywords

• blalock-taussig shunt
• near-infrared spectroscopy
• regional cerebral oxygen saturation