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Glossary Term
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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Definition

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive analytical technique that uses near-infrared light (wavelengths between 750 and 2500 nm) to analyze the composition of materials, particularly biological tissues. NIRS works by measuring the absorption and scattering of light as it passes through the tissue, providing information on the chemical composition, tissue oxygenation, and blood flow.

Relevance to the MedTech Industry

NIRS is used in medical diagnostics, monitoring, and research to assess tissue oxygenation, detect metabolic changes, and evaluate blood flow. In the MedTech industry, NIRS has applications in areas such as brain monitoring, muscle oxygenation, and neonatal care. It is particularly valuable in critical care and surgery, where continuous, real-time monitoring is needed.

Additional Information & Related Terms

Key Features of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

  1. Non-Invasive:

    • NIRS allows for continuous, real-time measurement without the need for invasive procedures, reducing patient discomfort and risk.

  2. Real-Time Monitoring:

    • NIRS provides immediate feedback on oxygenation levels and metabolic status, crucial in critical care and surgical environments.

  3. Tissue-Specific Measurement:

    • It can be used to monitor specific tissues or organs, such as the brain, muscles, or the placenta during pregnancy.

  4. Portable and Wearable Devices:

    • NIRS-based devices can be compact and worn by patients for continuous monitoring, enhancing patient comfort and enabling remote monitoring.

  5. Quantitative Data:

    • Provides numerical data on tissue oxygenation, blood volume, and other metrics, allowing for precise clinical decision-making.


Examples of NIRS Devices

  1. Cerebral Oximeters:

    • Used during cardiac surgery or for neonatal brain oxygenation monitoring to ensure that the brain receives adequate oxygen levels.

  2. Muscle Oxygen Monitors:

    • Wearable devices used in sports medicine to monitor muscle oxygenation levels during exercise.

  3. Neonatal Oximeters:

    • Devices used in intensive care units to monitor oxygen levels in preterm infants, helping to manage respiratory therapies.

  4. Placental Oxygenation Monitors:

    • NIRS devices used in obstetrics to monitor fetal health during pregnancy and labor by assessing placental oxygen levels.

Related Terms

  • Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive method to monitor oxygen saturation in the blood, often used in conjunction with NIRS in critical care.

  • Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR): The broader category of spectroscopy that NIRS falls under, with applications in chemical analysis, but used here for biological monitoring.

  • Transcutaneous Monitoring: A non-invasive method of measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in blood through the skin.

  • Oximeter: A device that uses NIRS or other techniques to measure oxygen saturation in the blood.

  • Critical Care Monitoring: The process of continuously monitoring vital physiological parameters, such as oxygen levels, in patients under intensive care.

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