| abstract |
Provided herein is technology that facilitates measuring and monitoring of venous oxygen saturation, both mixed and central, as well as arterial oxygen saturation, via minimally invasive compositions, methods and systems for measurement of blood oxygen saturation in blood-filled anatomic structures. In one embodiment, the technology provides an esophageal sensor of vital information with reduced costs, risks and training compared, for example, to the PAC and CVP. Because of its proximity to the heart and vessels in the chest of human beings, the esophagus has been used for ultrasonic visualization of cardiac structures via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), stethoscopic auscultation of respiratory and cardiac sounds, and core temperature. |