A new study of the Masimo Rainbow SET Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter™, conducted by Steven J. Barker, PhD, MD of the University of Arizona, has received the 2006 Application of Technology award from the Society for Technology in Anesthesia.
The winning study, “New Pulse Oximeter Measures Carboxyhemoglobin Levels in Human Volunteers” evaluated the ability of the Rad-57 to directly measure the effects of carbon monoxide inhalation in humans. The lethal effects of carbon monoxide are caused by the conversion of normal hemoglobin in the blood to an abnormal form called carboxyhemoglobin, or “COHb.” Levels of COHb higher than 50% are potentially fatal, and caused the recent deaths of the coal miners in West Virginia. This study compared the COHb readings from the Rad-57 with blood sample measurements made by CO-oximeters, which are currently used to determine COHb levels in hospital laboratories. The CO-oximeter is a large, expensive machine that requires a blood sample, whereas the Rad-57 is small, portable, and measures COHb with a simple finger-clip sensor. The Arizona researchers found that the Rad-57™ performed within its specifications, accurately measuring the changing COHb levels in the volunteers’ blood. The study concluded that this new technology represents a major advance in the monitoring of oxygenation. This is the second time technology pioneered by Masimo is being honored by the STA with such an award.
Unmasking a silent killer—carbon monoxide—with light waves
“We believe that this device represents a major advance in patient monitoring,” said Dr. Barker, the lead author and Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at University of Arizona. “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a life-threatening problem in the Operating Room, as well as in many settings outside of the hospital. This new technology allows diagnosis in seconds, even in field conditions by first responders. By allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment, this will have a significant effect on patient care.”
“We are delighted to hear of the award given to the University of Arizona research team,” said Joe E. Kiani, Masimo Chairman and CEO. “Ten years ago, Dr. Barker and Masimo won a similar STA award for Masimo SET®, or Signal Extraction Technology. At that time, our achievement was to monitor oxygen saturation levels accurately for the first time during conditions such as patient motion and low perfusion. Now, building on SET, we are able to monitor carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin levels, and soon, we hope, additional vital physiologic parameters, noninvasively. This is history repeating itself in the most encouraging way.”
”We are especially pleased that Dr. Barker and his colleagues on the University of Arizona research team have received this recognition,” Kiani added. “Dr. Barker is the author of over 150 scholarly works, and one of the leading researchers in oxygen monitoring. To provide Masimo with the scientific advice we need and a strong connection to the medical community, we have invited Dr. Barker to work with us as the Chairman of our Scientific Advisory Board and as a member of the Masimo Board of Directors. I am delighted to say that he has accepted, and we will be able to lead Masimo better with his guidance.”
