Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Pulse Oximetry

  • Conference paper
Computing and Monitoring in Anesthesia and Intensive Care

Abstract

This review of pulse oximetry will focus primarily on recent developments, new methods, accuracy, problems, and limitations. Four books [1–4] and 3 reviews [5–7] are available.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Payne JP, Severinghaus JW. Pulse Oximetry, Springer Verlag, London, 1986; 1–197

    Book  Google Scholar 

  2. Tremper KK, Barker SJ. “Advances in oxygen monitoring.” Int Anesthesiol Clinics 1987; 25: No.3, 240pp

    Google Scholar 

  3. Severinghaus JW, Astrup P. “The history of blood gas analysis.” Int Anesthesiol Clinics 1987; 25: No.4, 224pp

    Google Scholar 

  4. Gravenstein JS. “Gas Monitoring and Pulse Oximetry.” Boston: Butterworth- Heinemann 1990,148pp

    Google Scholar 

  5. Tremper KK, Barker SJ. Pulse oximetry. Anesthesiol 1989; 70:98–108

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Kelleher JF. Pulse oximetry. J Clin Monit 1989; 5:37–62

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Wukitsch MW, Petterson MT, Tobler DR, Pologe JA. Pulse oximetry:Analysis of theory, technology and practice. J Clin Monit 1988; 4: 290–301

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Siggaard-Andersen O, Durst RA, Maas AHJ. Physicochemical quantities and units in clinical chemistry. Approved IUPAC/IFCC recommendation(1984). J Clin Chem ClinBiochem 1987; 25: 369–391

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Moran RF, Clausen JL, Ehrmeyer S, Feil M, VanKessel AL, Eichhorn JH. Oxygen content, himoglobin oxygen “saturation”, and related quantities in blood:Terminology, measurement and reporting. NCCLS Doc C25-P, ISSN 0273–3099, Vol.10, #2, 1990

    Google Scholar 

  10. Marjot R, Valentine SJ. Arterial oxygen saturation following premedication for cardiac surgery. Brit J Anaesth 1990; 64: 737–740

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Minnich ME, Brown M, Clark RB, Miller FC, Thompson DS. Oxygen desaturation in women in labor. J Reprod Med 1990; 35: 693–696

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Barrington KJ, Finer NN. Periodic breathing and apnea in preterm infants. Pediatr Res 1990; 27: 118–121

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Talke P, Nichols RJ, Traber DL. Does measurement of systolic blood pressure with a pulse oximeter correlate with conventional methods? J Clin Monit 1990; 6: 5–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Severinghaus JW, Spellman MJ, Jr. Pulse oximeter failure thresholds in hypotension and ischemia. Anesthesiol, 1990; 73: 532–537

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Wallace C, Baker D, Alpert C, et al. Comparison of blood pressure measurement by Doppler and by pulse oximetry techniques. Anesth Analg 1987; 66: 1018–1019

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Holm-Knudsen RJ; Nielsen J; Ogstrup J. Mäling af systolidk fingerblodtiyk ved hjaelp af pulsoximeter. [Measurement of systolic finger blood pressure with a pulse oximeter]. Ugeskr Laeger 15 1990; 152: 3079–81

    Google Scholar 

  17. Vegfors M, Tryggvason B, Sjöberg F. Assessment of peripheral blood flow using a pulse oximeter. J. Clin Monit 1990; 6: 1–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Broome IJ, Mason RA. Identification of autonomic dysfunction with a pulse oximeter. Anesthesia 1988; 43: 833–836

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Meier-Stauss P, Bucher HU, Hurlimann R, Konig V, Huch R. Pulse oximetry used for documenting oxygen saturation and right-to-left shunting immediately after birth. Eur J Pediatr 1990; 149: 851–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Joyce WP, Walsh K, Gough DB, Gorey TF, Fitzpatrick JM. Pulse oximetry: a new non-invasive assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Br J Surg 1990; 77: 1115–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Dziedzic K, Vidyasagar D. Pulse oximetry in neonatal intensive care. Clin Perinatol 1989; 16: 177–197

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Cortambert F, Gay C, Putet G. L’oxymetrie pulsatile et la surveillance peroperatoire des prematures de faible poids. Pediatrie 1987;42:407–9

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Southall DP, Bignall S, Stebbens VA, Alexander JR, Rivers RP, Lissauer T. Pulse oximeter and transcutaneous arterial oxygen measurements in neonatal and paediatric intensive care. Arch Dis Child 1987; 62: 882–8;

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Wasunna A, Whitelaw AG. Pulse oximetry in preterm infants. Arch Dis Child 1987; 62: 957–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Jennis MS, Peabody JL. Pulse oximetry: An alternative method for the assessment of oxygenation in newborn infants. Pediatrics 1987; 79: 524 528

    Google Scholar 

  26. Hodgson A, Hörbar J, Sharp G, Soll R, Lucey J. The accuracy of the pulse oximeter in neonates. Adv Exp Med Biol 1987; 7: 331–332

    Google Scholar 

  27. Bucher HV, Fanconi S, Baeckert P, Due G. Hyperoxia in newborn infants: detection by pulse oximetry. Pediatrics 1989; 84: 226–230

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Hay WW, Brockway JM, Eyzaguirre M. Neonatal pulse oximetry: Accuracy and reliability. Pediatrics 1989;83: 717–722

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Kelleher JF, Ruff RH. The penumbra effect: Vasomotion-dependent pulse oximeter artifact due to probe malposition. Anesthesiol 1989;71:787–791

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Langton JA, Lassey D, Hanning CD. Comparison of four pulse oximeters: effects of venous occlusion and cold-induced peripheral vasoconstriction. Br J Anaesth 1990;65:245–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Wilkins CJ, Moores M, Hanning CD. Comparison of pulse oximeters: Effects of vasoconstriction and venous engorgement. Br J Anaesth 1989; 62: 439–444

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Kurki TS, Smith NT, Sanford TJ, Head N. Pulse oximetry and finger blood pressure measurement during open heart surgery. J Clin Monit 1989;5:221–228

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Falconer RJ, Robinson BJ. Comparison of pulse oximeters: accuracy at low arterial pressure in volunteers. Br J Anaesth 1990; 65: 552–557

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Langton JA, Hanning CD. Effect of motion artefact on pulse oximeters: evaluation of four instruments and finger probes. Br J Anaesth 1990; 65: 564–570

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Talke P, Nichols RJ, Traber DL. Monitoring patients during helicopter flight. J Clin Monit 1990; 6: 139–140

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Short L, Hecker RB, Middaugh RE, Menk EJ. A comparison of pulse oximeters during helicopter flight. J Emerg Med 1989; 7: 639–643

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Barthelemy JC, Geyssant A, Riffat J, Antoniadis A, Berruyer J, Lacour JR. Accuracy of pulse oximetry during moderate exercise: a comparative study. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1990; 50: 533–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. James DJ, Brown RE Jr. Vascular volume monitoring with pulse oximetry during pediatric anaesthesia. Can J Anaesth 1990; 37: 266–267

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Costarino AT, Davis DA, Keon TP. Falsely normal saturation reading with the pulse oximeter. Anesthesiol 1987; 67: 830–831

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Broome IJ, Reynolds Ml. A dangerous failure of a pulse oximeter. Anaesthesia 1990; 45: 166

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Robertson RE, Kaplan RF. Another site for the pulse oximeter probe. Anesthesiol 1991; 74: 198

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Miyasaka K, Katayama M, Kusakawa I, Ohata J, Kawano T, Honma Y. Use of pulse oximetry in neonatal anesthesia. J Perinatology 1987; 7: 343–345

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Rosenberg J, Pedersen MH. Nasal pulse oximetry overestimates oxygen saturation. Anaesthesia 1990; 45: 1070–1071

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Pälve H, Vuori A. Pulse oximetry during low cardiac output and hypothermia states immediately after open heart surgery. Crit Care Med 1989; 17: 66

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Jobes DR, Nicolson SC. Monitoring of arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation using a tongue sensor. Anesth Analg 1988; 67:186–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Gunter JB. A buccal sensor for measuring arterial oxygen saturation. Anesth Analg 1989; 69: 417–418

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Severinghaus JW, Naifeh KH. Accuracy of response of six pulse oximeters to profound hypoxia. Anesthesiol 1987; 67: 551–558

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Severinghaus JW, Naifeh KH, Koh SO. Errors during profound hypoxia in 14 pulse oximeters. J Clin Monit 1989; 5: 72–81

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Decker MJ, Dickensheets D, Arnold JL, Cheung PW, Strohl KP. A comparison of a new reflectance oximeter with the Hewlett- Packard ear oximeter. Biomed Instrum Technol 1990; 24: 122–126

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Jobsis-VanderVliet, F F, Piantadosi C A, Sylvia A L, Lucas S K, Keizer H H. Near- infrared monitoring of cerebral oxygen sufficiency. Neurological Research 1988; 10: 7–17

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Mendelson Y, McGinn MJ. Skin reflectance pulse oximetry: In vivo measurements from the forearm and calf. J Clin Monit 1991; 7:7–12

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Johnson N, Johnson VA, Bannister J, Lilford RJ. The effect of caput succedaneum on oxygen saturation measurements. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1990; 97: 493–498

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Jubran A, Tobin MJ. Reliability of pulse oximetry in titrating supplemental oxygen therapy in ventilatory-dependent patients. Chest 1990; 97: 1420–1425

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Cahan C, Decker MJ, Hoekje PL, Strohl KP. Agreement between noninvasive oximetric values for oxygen saturation. Chest 1990; 97: 814–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Cote CJ, Goldstein EA, Fuchsman WH, Hoaglin DC. The effect of nail polish on pulse oximetry. Anesth Analg 1988; 67: 683–686

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Battito MF. The effect of fingerprinting ink on pulse oximetry. Aneth Analg 1989; 69: 260–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Goucke R. Hazards of henna. Aneth Analg 1989; 69:416

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Beale SN, Moorthy SS. Jaundice oximetry and spurious hemoglobin desaturation. Aneth Analg 1989; 68: 806–7

    Google Scholar 

  59. Veyckemans F, Baele PL, More about jaundice and oximetry. Aneth Analg 1990; 70: 335–6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Baker SJ, Tremper KK. The effect of carbon monoxide inhalation on pulse oximetry and transcutaneous Po2 Anesthesiol 1987;66:677–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Baker SJ, Tremper KK, Hyatt J, Zaceari J. Effects of methemoglobinemia on pulse oximetry and mixed venous oximetry Anesthesiol 1987; 67: A171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Severinghaus JW, Xu F, Spellman MJ Jr. Benzocaine and merhemoglobin: recommended FDA action. Letter to the editor. Anesthesiol 74; No2, 1991

    Google Scholar 

  63. Shellock FG, Slimp GL. Severe burn of the finger caused by using a pulse oximeter during MR imaging. Am J Roentgenol 1989; 153: 1105

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Murphy KG, Secunda JA, Rockoff MA. Severe burns from a pulse oximeter. Anesthesiol 1990; 73: 350–352

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Taylor NB, Whitwam JG, The accuracy of pulse oximeters. A comparative clinical evaluation of five pulse oximeters. Anaesthesia 1988; 43: 229–32

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Gorback MS, Severinghaus JW. Errors in 14 pulse oximeters during profound hypoxia(Correspondence). J Clin Monit 1990; 6: 158–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Sendak MJ, Harris AP, Donham RT. Accuracy of pulse oximetry during arterial oxyhemoglobin desaturation in dogs. Anesthesiol 1988;68:111–114

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Sidi A, Rush W, Gravenstein N, Ruiz B, Paulus DA, Davis RF. Pulse oximetry fails to accurately detect low levels of arterial hemoflobin oxyfen saturation in dogs. J Clin Monit 1987; 3: 257–62

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Severinghaus JW, Koh SO. Effect of anemia on pulse oximeter accuracy at low saturation. J Clin Monit 1990; 6: 85–88

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Kolesar R, Volgyesi G, Lerman J. Effect of haemoglobin concentration on the accuracy of pulse oximetry. Can J Anaes 1990; 37: s88

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Barillo DJ, Mastropieri CJ, Cohen MB, Okunski W. How accurate is pulse oximetry in patients with burn injuries? J Burn Care Rehabil 1990; 11: 162–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Cote CJ, Goldstein EA, Cote MA, Hoaglin DC, Ryan JF. A single-blind study of pulse oximetry in children. Anesthesiology 1988; 68: 184–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Raemer DB, Warren DL, Morris R, Philip BK, Phillip JH. Hypoxemia during ambulatory gymecologic surgery as evaluated by the pulse oximeter. J Clin Monit 1987; 3: 244–248

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Cooper JB, Gullen DJ, Nemeskal R, Hoaglin DC, Gevirtz CC, Csete M, Venable C. Effects of information feedback and pulse oximetry on the incidence of anesthesia complications. Anesthesiol 1987; 67: 686–694

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Eichhorn J. Prevention of intraoperative anesthesia accidents and related severe injury through safety monitoring. Anesthesiol 1989; 70: 572–577

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Orkin F. Practice standards:The Midas touch or the emperor’s new clothes? Anesthesiol 1989;70:567–571

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. McKay WPS, Noble WH. Critical incidents derected by pulse oximetry during anesthesia. Can J Anaes 1988; 35: 265–269

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Moller JT, Wittrup M, Johansen SH. Hypoxemia in the postanesthesia care unit: an observer study. Anesthesiol 1990; 73: 890–5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Brown LT, Purcell GJ, Traugott FM. Hypoxemia during postoperative recovery using Pulse oximetry. Anaesth Intens Care 1990; 18: 509–516

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Morris RW, Buschman A, Warren DL, Philip JH, Raemer DB. The prevalence of hypoxemia detected by pulse oximetry during recovery from anesthesia. J Clin Monit 1988; 4: 16–20

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Canet J, Ricos M, Vidal F. Early postoperative arterial desaturation. Determining factors and response to oxygen therapy. Anesth Analg 1989; 69: 207–212

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. O’Connor KW, Jones S. Oxygen desaturation is common and clinically underappreciated during elective endoscopic procedures. Gastrointest Endosc 1990; 36, #3, Suppl: S2–4

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Moore FA, Haenel JB, Moore EE, Abernathy CM. Hypoxic events in the surgical intensive care unit. Am J Surg 1990; 160: 647–51

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Tinker JH, Dull DL, Caplan RA, Ward RJ, Cheney FW. Role of monitoring devices in prevention of anesthetic mishaps. Anestheoiol 1989; 71: 541–546

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Caplan RA, Ward RJ, Posner K, Cheney FW. Unexpected cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia: A closed claims analysis of predisposing factors. Anesthesiology 1988; 68: 5–11

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Keats AS. Anesthesia mortality- A new mechanism (editorial). Anesthesiol 1988; 68: 2–4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Whitcher C, Ream AK, Parsons D, Rubsamen D, Scott J, Champeau M, Sterman W, Siegel L. Anesthetic mishaps and the cost of monitoring:a proposed standard for monitoring equipment. J Clin Monit 1988; 4: 5–15

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. FYI…A commiment to patient safety. ASA Office of Government Affairs, 111 14th St NW Suite 501, Washington DC 20005, January 1990, 12pp

    Google Scholar 

  89. Bond, PM, ed. Pulse oximeters. Health Devices 1989; 18, #6: 185–230, ECRI, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, Pa 19462

    Google Scholar 

  90. Cheney, Fw. The ASA Closed Claims Study after the pulse oximeter: A preliminary look. ASA Newsletter 1990; 54: 10

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

    John W. Severinghaus M.D. (Professor of Anesthesia)

Authors
  1. John W. Severinghaus M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan

    Kazuyuki Ikeda M.D. (Professor and Chairman), Matsuyuki Doi M.D. (Assistant Professor), Tomiei Kazama M.D. (Associate Professor) & Kazuo Sato M.D. (Associate Professor) (Professor and Chairman),  (Assistant Professor),  (Associate Professor) &  (Associate Professor)

  2. Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University, Japan

    Tsutomu Oyama M.D. (Emeritus Professor) (Emeritus Professor)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1992 Springer-Verlag Tokyo

About this paper

Cite this paper

Severinghaus, J.W. (1992). Pulse Oximetry. In: Ikeda, K., Doi, M., Kazama, T., Sato, K., Oyama, T. (eds) Computing and Monitoring in Anesthesia and Intensive Care. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-68201-1_126

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-68201-1_126

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo

  • Print ISBN: 978-4-431-68203-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-4-431-68201-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation