ABSTRACT
Cerebral oximetry based on the principle of near infrared spectroscopy is a relatively new technique that can monitor changes in cerebral oxygenation. Limited clinical experience with this monitoring technique exists, and the critical level of cerebral oxygen saturation below which neuronal damage takes place, has not been established. However, cerebral oximetry enables noninvasive and continuous cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring. It provides valuable information during carotid endarterectomy and other neurologic conditons. We experienced cerebral oxygen saturation changes during carotid endarterectomy. We monitored electroencephalography (EEG) simultaneously. During clamping of common carotid artery, there was a decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation from 65% to 58% without EEG changes. During clamping of external carotid artery, there was a decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation from 65% to 60% without EEG change.