Masimo has received the European CE Mark for its SEDLine brain function monitor. The device, which has been available in the United States for a while already, captures four separate EEG channels to combine them in a single integrated algorithm. The end result is a number called the Patient State Index (PSI), a calculated measure of brain activity that reflects the patient’s current level of sedation/anesthesia. The amount of anesthetics can be titrated to this index, potentially reducing the amount of anesthetic used and decreasing recovery time.
We have been skeptical about this technology in the past, when SEDLine was acquired by Masimo, and most of that story still holds true today. Moreover, a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine once again confirmed that measuring end-tidal anesthetic-agent concentration was just as good as EEG-based (BIS) monitoring of intra-operative awareness. In conclusion, the benefits remain controversial (the American Society of Anesthesiologists advises to use a brain function monitor only in selected patients).
Flashback: Masimo Invests in Anesthesia Awareness Technology. Good Move? We Don’t Think So…
Press release: Masimo Obtains CE Mark for SEDLine, Launches EEG-Based Brain Function Monitors in European Market…
Product page: Masimo SEDLine…