Resposable pulse oximetry sensor

• US 20040133088A1
• Filed: 12/19/2003
• Published: 07/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CFS Bühl GmbH (GEA Group AG)
• Original Assignee: CFS Bühl GmbH (GEA Group AG)
• Inventors: Al-Ali, Ammar
• Granted Patent: US 7,039,449 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/344
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4478 Line condition change responsive

Abstract

A pulse oximeter sensor has both a reusable and a disposable portion. The reusable portion of the sensor preserves the relatively long-lived and costly emitter, detector and connector components. The disposable portion of the sensor is the relatively inexpensive adhesive tape component that is used to secure the sensor to a measurement site, typically a patient'"'"'s finger or toe. The disposable portion of the sensor is removably attached to the reusable portion in a manner that allows the disposable portion to be readily replaced when the adhesive is expended or the tape becomes soiled or excessively worn. The disposable portion may also contain an information element useful for sensor identification or for security purposes to insure patient safety. A conductive element that allows a pulse oximeter monitor to read the information element is located on the disposable portion in such a way that continuity is broken when the adhesive tape become torn, such as upon removal from the measurement site.

Claims

1. A method of determining a type of pulse oximetry sensor and whether the sensor has been overused, the method comprising:

combining components including a reusable emitter, a reusable detector, a breakable conductor, information element, and a securing mechanism, to form a pulse oximetry sensor, wherein two or more of the components form an electrical circuit; and

determining from characteristics of the electrical circuit a type of one or more of the components and whether at least one of the components has been overused.