4 Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an imaging technique used in both clinical and emergency medicine, as well as in research laboratories to quantify and measure the oxygenation status of human tissue non-invasively. This is done by monitoring in vivo changes of the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin molecules in the body, based on the absorbance of near-infrared light by hemoglobin. With regards to NIRS in human tissue, this chapter will primarily be concerned with discerning the oxygenation status of cerebral tissue. The importance of such a measure, especially in cerebral physiology, is that the human brain utilizes oxygen to continuously supply neurons with energy used for vital body functioning. In the absence of oxygen, as is the case during ischemic stroke or desanguination, cognitive and functional impairment resulting in death often occurs. NIRS technology makes it possible to apply critical safety thresholds with regards to cerebral tissue saturation in order to avoid dangerously low levels with the primary goal being to reduce mortality rates and cognitive deficits due to cerebral hypoxemia.