Pentland Medical, the UK distributor of the Nasal Alar SpO2 Sensor (Xhale Assurance Inc, Fl. USA), is pleased to announce that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE),¹ has issued a Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB) on the Nasal Alar SpO2 Sensor (Xhale Assurance Inc, Fl. USA), currently the only sensor designed to detect peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) at the nasal ala. The Nasal Alar SpO2 sensor is currently being used in 15 NHS hospitals.¹ This innovative, disposable, single patient use pulse oximetry sensor is specifically designed to improve sensor accuracy and reliability in those with poor peripheral perfusion. The combination of light-emitting diodes and the photodiode pulse oximetry sensor in the plastic nasal clip use photoplethysmography signals to determine the SpO2 levels in the blood vessels of the nasal ala, a highly vascular region that is fed anatomically by both the external and internal carotid arteries. This multi-directional arterial supply provides strong, reliable photoplethysmography signals that respond rapidly to changes in the patient’s arterial oxygen saturation.

The nasal alar site has other advantages:

•    It has no clinically significant sympathetic tone, so does not lose signal due to the patient being cold
•    It is less affected when patients experience diminished peripheral perfusion, such as cardiovascular disease, hypovolaemia, or from medications that cause vascular changes
•    It is less subject to signal distortion due to sensor interference from ambient light
•    The strong signal from this location provides consistent accuracy, even at very low oxygen saturations
•    It makes the sensor less likely to be dislodged, which reduces alarms
•    It is easily accessed by an anaesthetist during surgery; non-adhesive attachment makes the sensors easy to reposition

The sensor is simple to use; the non-adhesive sensor clip is designed to be better tolerated and more comfortable for patients than other sensors, especially in those who are susceptible to skin breakdown, at risk of pressure ulcers or have sensitivity to adhesives.¹ It has a cable with a connector that is compatible with most pulse oximetry monitors. The Nasal Alar SpO2 sensor can be used in any healthcare setting where continuous SpO2 monitoring by pulse oximetry is required such as emergency wards, intensive care units, operating theatres and ambulances.¹ It is indicated for use in adults and children (weighing more than 30 kg) for the continuous non-invasive monitoring of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate.

It is contraindicated for patients weighing less than 30 kg, on sites with compromised tissue or non-intact skin, and for any patient with a medical condition that decreases nasal alar blood perfusion or that increases nasal alar venous congestion or swelling.¹

The cost of the Nasal Alar SpO2 sensor is £20.62 per unit (exclusive of VAT), or £495 per box 24 (exclusive of VAT).

Pentland Medical Ltd.
48 Craighall Road
Edinburgh
EH6 4RU
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 0131 467 5764
Fax: 0131 476 1574
www.pentlandmedical.co.uk

References
1.    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Nasal Alar SpO2 sensor for monitoring oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. Medtech innovation briefing [MIB113]. NICE. July 2017. https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/mib113