Predictive Value of the FORE-SIGHT™ Monitor for Hemodynamic Deterioration

The postoperative period after congenital heart surgery in children can be a very critical episode, where it is of utmost importance to closely monitor the circulation in these patients. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring tools available in the adult population, are often not suitable to use in small children. The Fore-Sight(TM) is a non-invasive monitor for brain tissue oxygenation (SctO2), by projecting harmless near-infrared light trough the skin, skull, and brain via a disposable sensor that is applied on the forehead of patients. In many centres, the Fore-Sight (TM) is part of the routine monitoring of children during cardio-pulmonary bypass for congenital heart surgery. Although the monitor has not been tested for this purpose, it is often continued in the postoperative phase in the intensive care unit (ICU), where it is used to monitor the hemodynamic situation of the patient. The purpose of the present study is to examine and validate the use of the Fore-Sight monitor for hemodynamic monitoring of children in the postoperative phase after cardiac surgery. The study hypothesis is whether SctO2 desaturations are predictive for future hemodynamic deterioration of the patient, and whether these SctO2 desaturations are predictive for the outcome of these patients.