Alar SpO2 Sensor Study

METHODS: The study intends to include patients undergoing planned major surgery at the surgery department at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge. Before surgery, patients will be asked and written informed consent for participation will be obtained. Within the framework of the study, measurement with the newer measurement method on the nose is planned to be done at the same time as standard measurement on the finger is performed. The research study and oxygen saturation measurement with the nasal clamp starts when the patient enters the operating room and continues until he or she leaving the post-operative ward the day after surgery, or at the latest 24 hours after the start of the operation. Apart from the use of two body oxygenation monitors, there is no impact on the treatment and care are not affected at all. Decisions and actions based on possible changes in oxygenation will be based primarily on the traditional measurement point in the finger. After completion of the study, all anesthesia nurses and all nurses from the surgical and postoperative department in Huddinge who have worked with the Alar SpO2 (saturation) sensor during the study will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. All nurses who express interest in participating will receive an information sheet and consent will be signed personally with the signed personally with the interviewer before the interview starts. The investigators will collect data on staff opinions regarding the use of the Alar SpO2 sensor (such as: the differences between the Alar SpO2 sensor and the finger SpO2 sensor, the advantages and disadvantages of the Alar SpO2 sensor, advantages of using dual oximetry, and potential expansion of the work with the Alar SpO2 sensor).

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 or older
• Standard of care for planned abdominal surgery foresees continuous SpO2 monitoring intra- and post-operatively
• Standard of care for planned abdominal surgery foresees arterial catheterization in order to aspirate blood for blood gas analysis
• Expected overnight stay in the peri-operative unit
• Able to speak and understand Swedish
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Body weight below 50 kg
• Procedures and/or conditions affecting the face or hands that might prevent placement of sensors
• Injury/wounds or physical malformation of sensor application sites (i.e. nose, fingers)
• Severe contact allergies to standard adhesives, latex or other materials found in pulse oximetry sensors (self-reported)
• Nail fungus on application site
• Refusal to remove artificial nails or nail polish
• Severe dermatitis or hyperkeratosis (e.g. ichthyosis) at sensor application site
• Raynaud's disease
• Hemoglobinopathy
• Expected post operative ward stay ≤12 hrs
• Dye injections within 48 hours
• Pregnant or lactating during the study period
• Nasal intubation
• Patient is participating in another medical device study.