Analysis techniques for pulsatile components of cardiac near infra-red absorbance measurements

Introduction The ultimate aim of this project is to apply the proven technique of near infra-red spectroscopy (nirs) [1,2] to monitor myocardial oxygenation and metabolism. The aim of the initial work presented here was to identify a significant pulsatile component in near infra-red absorbance measurements. Analysis of pulsatile components is considered to offer a practicable method of isolating the myocardial readings from those due to surrounding tissue: the chest wall, ribs, blood in the heart chambers and vessels, etc.