A compact sensor for monitoring tissue oxygen saturation

Researchers at CEA-Leti, an institute of CEA Tech, have developed a compact, low-cost sensor worn directly on the skin as a proof of concept. A clinical trial has demonstrated its effectiveness at measuring tissue oxygen saturation.

Measuring tissue oxygenation is useful for anticipating areas liable to necrose after reconstructive surgery — the kind of complication that is far easier to prevent than to treat.

Built from a CMOS matrix circuit and light-emitting diodes, the sensor sits in contact with the skin to measure tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). It works on the principle of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.