Estimation of Venous Oxygen Saturation Through Non-Invasive Optical Sensing at the Jugular Veins

Abstract Non-invasive, real-time venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) measurements provide the potential to improve health outcomes in transfusions, ventilator care, and in the intensive care unit. Current methods use catheters which are invasive, expensive, and pose potential high-risk, with only discrete measurements from a jugular vein obtained. This research designed, developed, and tested a proof-of-concept optical sensor similar to a pulse oximeter for non-invasive, continuous SvO 2 monitoring at the external jugular vein (EJV). Testing on three subjects met the aim of correctly identifying the EJV waveform and provided an SvO 2 estimation within the usual healthy range of 60-90%. SvO 2 estimates from the EJV pulse of 71.1%, 72.2%, and 70.4% and breathing pulse of 74.7%, 75.3%, and 74.1%, all fall within range, with trials capturing clear EJV waveforms from the single-point sensor. Further research is necessary to calibrate and validate the device against gold-standard blood gas analysers. However, the initial results prove the sensor’s reliability and potential in detecting and estimating SvO 2 non-invasively, which has the potential to benefit patients across a wide range of clinical settings.