Direct-Reflection Oximetry in Routine Cardiac Catherization

Abstract

A reflection cuvette oximeter providing instantaneous values has been used in a series of 195 cardiac catheterizations in infants and children. The introduction of this method had considerable influence on the entire catheterization procedure, since the direct availability of fluoroscopic, pressure, and oxygen saturation data allows development of an accurate and complete diagnosis during the catheterization. Six cases, selected because of the important part direct oximetry played in their elucidation, are discussed.