CAS Medical's laser-based neonatal cerebral oximeter
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The Fore-Sight cerebral oximeter developed by CAS Medical Systems has received US FDA 510(k) clearance to be used in newborn babies weighing more than 2.5kg. The noninvasive device detects low cerebral oxygen saturation events using Branford, Connecticut-based CAS Medical's Laser-Sight technology. This works on the basis that blood contains both oxygenated and de-oxygenated haemoglobin; the two forms of haemoglobin absorb light in different, measurable ways. Laser light is projected through the scalp and skull and into the brain to detect levels of oxy and de-oxy haemoglobin. The reflected light is captured by a sensor and is analysed to determine cerebral tissue oxygen saturation. US launch of the Fore-Sight sensor is planned for the second half of 2008.