Cerebral NIRS Monitoring During Anesthesia in Neonates and Infants

Monitoring Of REgional Cerebral Oxygenation (rcSO2 ) With Near INFrared SpectrOscopy (NIRS) During Non-cardiac Surgery in Preterms, Neonates and Infants in Addition to Standard Monitoring to Guide Intraoperative Management

The brain is a very vulnerable organ, especially in premature babies, newborns and infants. However, during anesthesia, the oxygenation of the brain can only be monitored indirectly and insufficiently. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an established monitoring method in other areas (e.g., neonatology, cardiac anesthesia), which provides non-invasive information about the regional oxygen supply of the brain. The integration of this monitoring device into the anaesthesiological care for neonates and infants could reduce the risk of cerebral hypoxia. The planned study investigates whether the use of NIRS in anesthetized children up to 6 months can prevent or influence the occurrence of cerebral hypoxia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Expected duration of Anesthesia >45 minutes
• Intervention/surgery in the operating room

Exclusion Criteria:

• Impossibility to place cerebral NIRS sensor
• Known cerebral pathology
• Missing parental consent
• Congenial cardiac condition with right to left shunt
• Cardiac surgery