The Spectratech OEG-SpO2 is the latest advancement in optical imaging to measure brain function. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and this device can measure hemoglobin levels in the brain as well as how much oxygen is being transported. Until now, equipment for measuring brain function has used light to measure hemoglobin change, but it was impossible to detect oxygen levels in the arteries of the brain simultaneously.

Q: “Apparent arterial oxygen saturation is a very weak signal. This is a sensor for capturing the signals that enter and leave the brain. At high sensitivity, the signal-to-noise ratio becomes extremely low. To solve this problem, we’ve enhanced our spread spectrum modulation technology, and used it to achieve a great improvement in signal-to-noise ratio. Developing this took about three years. As we’re a small company, we’d like to market this product in Japan first, and then overseas. This technology is a first for Japan, and Japan also has the world’s most advanced optical technology. So we’re proud of this technology.”

In this demonstration, the system is used to show the difference in blood flow and oxygen levels when the patient is relaxed or concentrating.

Q: “Regarding the basic principle of measuring blood flow in the brain, there are 12 circles in here, and red light is emitted by half of them in turns. The light is directed toward the brain from here. The points that don’t light up are sensors, and they receive the light coming back from the brain. For example, light from here goes deep into the brain, reaching here, and here as well. When that happens, we know the signal strength when it reaches here and here, so we know how much the blood flow has changed, and where. When this is set in this way, light enters the brain from the light-emitting points. Signals are captured by the sensors in the complementary locations. The light level drops by a factor of about 50,000. To capture such a tiny signal, advanced technology is essential.”

Now that it’s possible to measure hemoglobin change and how much oxygen is being transported through the arteries simultaneously, it’s hoped that this will lead to advances in research on brain function, including cerebral circulation and metabolism.

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