Abstract
The non-invasive nature of near infrared spectroscopy has contributed greatly to the monitoring of cerebral blood flow during cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB). The following report documents blisters developed underneath the photo-transmitter of near infrared spectroscopic probe after prolonged application.
A fifty-eight year old woman (height 148cm, body weight 54kg) underwent replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch for dissecting aortic aneurysm (De Bakey type 1) under 22°C hypothermia, selective cerebral perfusion and circulatory arrest. Because of difficulty in weaning from her CPB and flow of hemorrhage, the probe was left in place for over 30 hours without re-locating.
Before the patient entered the intensive care unit, upon removal of these probes, two localized erythematous areas coinciding with the photo-transmitter peobes were noted. The next day, the skin lesions turned into blisters. No neurological defects were noted. In conclusion, when used during CPB with hypothermia, it is recommended that the near-infrared spectroscopy probe be re-located at least every 12 hours.
