Noninvasive monitoring by photoplethysmography.

Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 3959 Broadway MSCHN 1201, New York, NY 10032-3702, USA. rs62@columbia.edu

Clinics in perinatology 2012 Sep

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The photoplethysmogram (PPG) is a noninvasive circulatory signal related to the pulsatile volume in tissue and is displayed by many pulse oximeters. The PPG is similar in appearance to the invasive arterial waveform, but is noninvasive and ubiquitous in hospitals. There is increasing interest in seeking circulatory information from the PPG and developing techniques for a wide variety of novel applications. This article addresses the basic physics of photoplethysmography, physiologic principles behind pulse oximetry operation, and recent technological advances in the usefulness of the PPG waveform to assess microcirculation and intravascular fluid volume monitoring during intensive care. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.