Masimo initiated a limited market release of the industry’s first single-patient-use ear sensor.
Compared to digit sensors, the Masimo E1 enables faster detection of oxygen saturation changes during low perfusion due to a variety of clinical factors, including sedative or medication-induced vasoconstriction. Compared to reusable ear sensors, it also avoids cross-contamination risks for patients and reduces the complexity of sensor management for clinicians, including cleaning, storage, and transport.
In the limited market release, select clinicians around the world will have the opportunity to use and evaluate the performance and benefits of the E1 sensor.
“In my experience, the E1 ear sensor detected hypoxemia up to 2-3 minutes sooner, which is critically important during airway management, resuscitation, and inpatient apnea/hypopnea episodes,” said Dr Daniel Davis, a contributor on the design of the E1 ear sensor, professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, and director of the UCSD Center for Resuscitation Science in San Diego. “Additionally, the ear site is more accessible and offers distinct advantages when traditional peripheral monitoring sites are unavailable due to trauma or injury, are swollen and do not easily fit into a digital sensor, or are inaccessible due to drapes, bandages, and dressings. The E1 also eliminates the need for excess cords making it ideal for ambulatory and general care floor patients because it frees up their hands for better mobility, physical therapy, or exercise."
