Assessment of a Novel High-Density, Full-Head Coverage, Time-Resolved Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Device for Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
Abstract
Neuromonitoring during surgery is used to detect early indications of cerebral injury before permanent damage occurs. A commonly used technology is cerebral oximetry; however, current systems only monitor one brain region and have limited depth sensitivity. A newly developed NIRS system, Kernel Flow, offers the possibility to address both limitations by providing full-head coverage and time-resolved detection to enhance sensitivity to the brain. This work aimed to assess Kernel Flow’s sensitivity to regional cerebral oxygenation changes. Two experiments were conducted. In the first, decreases in cerebral oxygenation caused by transient carotid compression were measured in healthy volunteers. The second was a clinical feasibility study in which the device was used to detect possible regional differences in cerebral desaturation in patients undergoing shoulder surgery. Overall, Kernel Flow showed good sensitivity to regional changes in cerebral oxygenation – although hair provided a practical challenge – and has promise as an intraoperative neuromonitor.