Cerebral Oximetry in Management of Post Cardiac Arrest

Resuscitation from a cardiac arrest is a common reason for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Because the brain is highly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation, severe brain damage often occurs during a cardiac arrest. Even when the heart has been restarted, there may continue to be reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain for many hours. ICU professionals generally do not use any tools to detect low oxygen delivery to the brain. Most patients admitted to the ICU are initially in a coma and many will never awaken. Even if they regain consciousness, there may be long-term cognitive and functional disabilities. There are currently no specific treatments available to ICU professionals that are proven to limit brain damage and improve outcomes. Cerebral oximetry is a non-invasive, painless, safe, and easy-to-use tool that detects reduced oxygen delivery to the brain using a