Novel specially configured nasal pulse oximeter/photoplethysmography probes, and combined nasal probe/cannula, selectively with sampler for capnography, and covering sleeves for same

• US 20040230108A1
• Filed: 12/30/2003
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Beta Biomed Services, Inc., University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated (State University System of Florida)
• Original Assignee: Beta Biomed Services, Inc., University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated (State University System of Florida)
• Inventors: Melker, Richard J., Worley, George, Gravenstein, Joachim S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,024,235 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/340
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0276 Determining malfunction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/247 Hygienic covers, i.e. for covering the sensor or apparatus during use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02427 Details of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0261 using optical means, e.g. infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0295 using plethysmography, i.e. measuring the variations in the volume of a body part as modified by the circulation of blood therethrough, e.g. impedance plethysmography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/036 by means introduced into body tracts A61B5/032 and A61B5/035 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0836 Measuring rate of CO2 production
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0873 using optical means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4818 Sleep apnoea
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4836 Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods A61B5/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6819 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/682 Mouth, e.g., oral cavity; tongue; Lips; Teeth
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6829 Foot or ankle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7278 : Artificial waveform generation or derivation, e.g. synthesising signals from measured signals A61B5/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7282 : Event detection, e.g. detecting unique waveforms indicative of a medical condition A61B5/4094, A61B5/4818, A61B5/349, A61B5/0823 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0003 : Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0051 : with alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 : Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/021 : operated by electrical means A61M16/202 – A61M16/205 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0666 : Nasal cannulas or tubing devices for improving normal breathing through the nose A61F5/08; nose filters A62B23/06; outside holding devices A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0672 : Nasal cannula assemblies for oxygen therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 : Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/085 : Gas sampling
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/20 : Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0007 : introduced into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0208 : Oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/03 : Gases in liquid phase, e.g. cryogenic liquids
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 : local, e.g. within room or hospital
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3569 : sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 : Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0625 : Mouth
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0662 : Ears
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/005 : Parameter used as control input for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/06 : Heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/205 : partial oxygen pressure (P-O2)
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/30 : Blood pressure A61M2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/42 : Rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/432 : partial CO2 pressure (P-CO2)

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel nasal pulse oximeter probes that are configured to be placed across the septum of the nose. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to obtain arterial oxygen saturation and other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined nasal pulse oximeter probe/nasal cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel nasal probe. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Claims

1. A probe to measure pulse-based differences in light absorbence by the vascularized tissue of the septum of the nose of a patient in need thereof, comprising:

a. a housing from which emanates two extensions, each said extension sized and spaced to enter one nares of the nose, and each said extension flexible so as to deflect from the wall of the septum;

b. at least two light-generating components that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands, positioned on the inside face of one of the two extensions;

c. at least one light-detecting component that detects light transmitted from said at least two light-generating components, positioned on the inside face of the other of the two extensions; and

d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating components, connecting said components to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting component to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting component, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said housing and thereafter through a cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system

wherein data obtained from said probe is used to provide pulse oximetry results, other plethysmophotometric results, or both.

2. The probe of claim 1, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection between about 10 and about 27 degrees.

3. The probe of claim 1, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection between about 10 and about 20 degrees.

4. The probe of claim 1, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection of about 15 degrees.

5. The probe of claim 1, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection, said angle of inflection being sufficient to place said at least two light-generating components and said at least one light-detecting component adjacent to Kiesselbach'"'"'s plexus.

6. The probe of claim 1, additionally comprising a protective plastic covering sleeve configured to fit over said extensions and over the top of said housing.

7. The probe of claim 1, additionally comprising a cannula to supply oxygen to said patient and a sampling apparatus to obtain exhaled gases for determination of carbon dioxide content.

8. A probe to measure pulse-based differences in light absorbence by the vascularized tissue of the septum of the nose of a patient in need thereof, integral with a cannula to supply oxygen or oxygen-rich gas into the nose, comprising:

a. a housing from which emanates two extensions, each said extension sized and spaced to enter one nares of the nose, and each said extension flexible so as to deflect from the wall of the septum, wherein one or both extensions are fashioned to provide one or more passages for transport of said oxygen or oxygen-rich gas into the nose;

b. at least two light-generating components that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands, positioned on the inside face of one of the two extensions;

c. at least one light-detecting component that detects light transmitted from said at least two light-generating components, positioned on the inside face of the other of the two extensions; and

d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating components, connecting said components to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting component to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting component, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said housing and thereafter through a cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system

wherein data obtained from said probe is used to provide pulse oximetry results, other plethysmophotometric results, or both.

9. The probe of claim 8, additionally comprising at least one additional sensor to aid in the study of sleep apnea, said at least one additional sensor selected from the group consisting of air flow, air pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide and respiration pattern recognition.

10. The probe of claim 8, wherein each extension is substantially longer than wide.

11. A probe to measure pulse-based differences in light absorbence by the vascularized tissue of the septum of the nose, comprising:

a. a housing from which emanates two extensions providing a non-contiguous fit with regard to said septum;

b. at least two light-generating components that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands, positioned on the inside face of one of the two extensions;

c. at least one light-detecting component that detects light transmitted from said at least two light-generating components, positioned on the inside face of the other of the two extensions; and

d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating components, connecting said components to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting component to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting component, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said housing and thereafter through a cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system

wherein said two extensions are sized and spaced such that there is not a pressing or a continuous contact against the mucosal tissue of the nasal septum by both said extensions where are positioned said at least two light-generating components and said at least one light detecting component, and wherein data obtained from said probe is used to provide pulse oximetry results, other plethysmophotometric results, or both.

12. The probe of claim 11, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection between about 10 and about 27 degrees.

13. The probe of claim 11, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection between about 10 and about 20 degrees.

14. The probe of claim 11, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection of about 15 degrees.

15. The probe of claim 11, wherein each of said extensions comprises an inward angle of inflection, said angle of inflection being sufficient to place said at least two light-generating components and said at least one light-detecting component adjacent to Kiesselbach'"'"'s plexus.

16. The probe of claim 11, additionally comprising a protective plastic covering sleeve configured to fit over said extensions and over the top of said housing.

17. The probe of claim 11, additionally comprising a cannula to supply oxygen to said patient.

18. The probe of claim 11, additionally comprising a cannula to supply oxygen to said patient and a sampling apparatus to obtain exhaled gases for determination of carbon dioxide content.

19. The probe of claim 11, wherein said extensions are constructed with plastic to have 60-90 durometer flexibility, and to not simultaneously press into respective sides of said septum where are positioned said at least two light-generating components and said at least one light-detecting component.

20. The probe of claim 19, wherein said at least two light-generating components and said at least one light-detecting component do not protrude from the respective inner sides of said extensions.