Pulse oximeters perform a spectral analysis of the pulsatile component of arterial blood in order to determine oxygen saturation, the relative concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin to depleted hemoglobin. Pulse oximeters have gained rapid acceptance in a wide variety of medical applications, including surgical wards, intensive care units, general wards and home care by providing early detection of decreases in the arterial oxygen supply, reducing the risk of accidental death and injury. A pulse oximetry system consists of a sensor, a monitor and a patient cable providing electrical communication between the sensor and monitor. The sensor attaches to a patient tissue site and provides a physiological signal to the monitor, which continuously displays patient oxygen saturation and pulse rate measurements.
A pulse oximetry sensor has emitters typically consisting of a red light emitting diode (LED) and an infrared LED that project light through blood vessels and capillaries underneath a tissue site, such as a fingernail bed. The sensor also has a detector typically consisting of a photodiode positioned opposite the LEDs so as to detect the emitted light as it emerges from the tissue site. Sensor types include a disposable sensor and a reusable sensor. A disposable sensor attaches to a patient tissue site with an adhesive wrap and is intended for use by only a single patient. A reusable sensor clips onto a patient tissue site and is intended for repeated use on multiple patients.
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A conventional reusable sensor has a fixed pressure, that is, it applies a predetermined force to a tissue site at a particular jaw position that depends on the characteristics of a spring. A fixed pressure sensor poses several problems. Sensor pressure set at time of manufacture cannot easily accommodate variations in tissue sites, patient ages or sizes, sensitivities to pressure, and perfusion characteristics. Excess pressure restricts blood flow in the tissue site and is uncomfortable for the patient. Insufficient pressure fails to keep the sensor attached to a particular tissue site. Further, a pulse oximetry sensor may be used in applications not foreseen by the manufacturer, such as attachment to unconventional tissue sites or use on animals.
One aspect of a variable pressure reusable sensor is a clip having a first jaw with a first hinge and an emitter and an opposing second jaw with a second hinge and a detector. A pin is disposed through the first and second hinges so as to rotatably attach the first and second jaws. The jaws are adapted to attach to a tissue site so that the emitter transmits optical radiation into the tissue site and the detector receives optical radiation after absorption by the tissue site. A spring having a plurality of legs is disposed around the pin and configured so that the legs apply force to the jaws. A tensioner is disposed proximate at least one of the jaws and configured to variably position at least one of the legs so as to adjust pressure exerted by the jaws on the tissue site.
Another aspect of a variable pressure reusable sensor comprises providing a sensor clip having an open position for inserting and removing a tissue site and a closed position for attaching the clip to the tissue site. Optical radiation is emitted into the tissue site in the closed position and received after absorption by the tissue site. A physiological signal is generated that is responsive to the absorption. The clip is urged to the closed position with a variable force so as to adjust the pressure of the clip against the tissue site.
A further aspect of a variable pressure reusable sensor comprises a plurality of jaws adapted to attach to a tissue site. The jaws have an emitter that transmits optical radiation into the tissue site and a detector that receives optical radiation after absorption by the tissue site. A selected spring configuration is disposed proximate the jaws so as to apply force to the jaws. A spring set provides a range of tension characteristics. The selected spring configuration is chosen from the spring set so as to provide a particular pressure profile on the tissue site.
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In one embodiment, the thumb switch 650 is a spring-loaded push button that lifts a ratcheted lever from corresponding teeth so as to release the wedge 640. In another embodiment, the thumb switch 650 is replaced by a set screw retained and recessed into the lower jaw 620. The set screw engages a threaded wall that extends into the lower jaw 620 from the wedge 640 so as to actuate the wedge 640 as the set screw is turned.
A variable pressure reusable sensor has been disclosed in detail in connection with various embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed by way of examples only and are not to limit the scope of the claims that follow. One of ordinary skill in art will appreciate many variations and modifications.
The present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/510,879, filed Oct. 14, 2003, entitled “VARIABLE PRESSURE REUSABLE SENSOR,” which are incorporated herein by reference.
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