Utility of Thenar Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in Pediatric Patients With Heart Failure

InSpectraTM StO2 monitor manufactured by Hutchinson Technology Inc. to measure the baseline StO2 level after applying the noninvasive probe to the thenar eminence. After a stable reading is obtained a blood pressure cuff will be inflated 40 mmHg above the obtained systolic pressure and the rate of desaturation (Rdes; % × sec-1) will be recorded. After 3 minutes or once the StO2 level comes to zero, whichever is earlier the cuff pressure will be released instantaneously and the rate of reperfusion (Rres; % × sec-1) will be measured. The measurement will be continued until the StO2 returns to the baseline value.