Intracardiac Oximetry in Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

A fiberoptic reflection oximeter has been adapted to the diagnostic study of patients suspected of having congenital heart disease. The results of 10 successive catheterizations with use of this technic are reported and compared with the results obtained in the same subjects with a standard sampling technic. A large number of determinations was possible without blood loss. The results were immediately available for use in directing the manipulation of the catheter. Freedom from the distortions attendant upon catheter sampling permitted precise observation of the nature of flow across a ventricular septal defect and of the relationship between blood oxygen saturation in the main pulmonary artery and the pulmonary arterial wedge position.