Masimo (Nasdaq: MASI), the inventor of Pulse CO-Oximetry(TM) and Measure-Through Motion and Low Perfusion pulse oximetry, today announced that new research findings, published in the November 2009 issue of the Journal of Perinatology, show that Masimo perfusion index (PI) accurately predicts low superior vena cava flow (SVC) in preterm, very-low-birth-weight infants--representing a promising method for continuous and noninvasive monitoring of systemic blood flow.
SVC flow, a measure of blood flow returning to the heart from the upper body, is useful information in the cardiovascular management of neonates because it helps determine risk for intraventricular hemorrhage, developmental impairments, morbidity, and mortality. However, detecting low SVC flow is challenging because current measurement methods are complicated, operator dependent, or can be inaccurate in certain neonatal conditions. Masimo PI provides a reliable continuous, noninvasive measure of the ratio of pulsatile blood flow to the non-pulsatile or static blood in peripheral tissue, which provides a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective method to help clinicians assess perfusion and circulatory status.