Peripheral perfusion noninvasive monitoring technologies - a literature and patent review

Shock is a life-threatening condition marked by inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen supply, leading to organ failure if not rapidly addressed. Clinical management of shock involves detecting and correcting altered macro hemodynamic parameters. However, these parameters may not accurately reflect microcirculatory alterations or abnormalities in oxygenation. A resuscitation strategy focused on peripheral perfusion, which can be non-invasively monitored, may allow for earlier shock detection and treatment, potentially reducing mortality. This literature review aims to study the available technologies found in literature and in patents to non-invasively monitor peripheral perfusion. PRISMA method was employed to systematically select or exclude articles and patents, resulting in 44 studies and 21 patents included in the review. The found technologies were classified based on the sensing principle in light (reflected, transmitted, or scattered), Doppler effect, temperature, and skin mottling. Combining the monitorization of microcirculatory with macrocirculatory parameters has the potential to have an accurate prognosis value for shock and other diseases. However, the various technologies that have been developed to monitor peripheral perfusion require further research and testing in diverse conditions.