Principles of Operation
Operator's Manual 2-3
Figure2-2.INVOS™ System (Model 5100C)
Red-colored hemoglobin molecules within red blood cells have the highest light absorption of
the wavelengths used. The exact shade of red of each hemoglobin molecule indicates the
amount of oxygen it is carrying.
The type and quantity of absorption data returned to the detectors reflects relative amounts of
deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin, from which a regional oxygen saturation (rSO
2
) value
unique to the specific area under the sensor is calculated. Values are measured continuously, with
screen updates provided to clinicians every 5 seconds.
Since brain cells and organ tissues die within minutes without proper oxygenation, measurement
of this color provides potentially life-saving or life-changing information. When rSO
2
values show
an oxygen deficit or change, the care team can intervene to potentially lessen or prevent adverse
events.
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