Temperature indicating oximetry sensor

• US 20050101851A1
• Filed: 12/17/2004
• Published: 05/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Inventors: Chin, Rodney
• Granted Patent: US 7,228,161 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/323
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1491 Heated applicators

Abstract

A pulse oximetry sensor having a temperature indicator and a method of operating such a sensor to visually indicate to an operator the temperature of the sensor and hence a measure of the temperature of the tissue location to which the sensor is attached. In one embodiment, the temperature indicator is a color changing liquid crystal temperature monitor. The liquid crystal temperature monitor includes a number of segments, each of which is activateable within a predetermined temperature range to be monitored. In other embodiments of the present invention, the oximetry sensor includes an active regulated heating element to enhance blood perfusion within the tissue location being monitored. In either embodiment, the temperature indicator provides the operator with an effective way of monitoring the temperature of the sensor and the adjacent tissue location. In case of a heated sensor, the temperature indicator informs the operator that the warming function of the sensor is functioning correctly. In case of a nonheated sensor, the temperature indicator informs the operator regarding a measure of the degree of perfusion.

Claims

1-28. -28. (canceled)

29. An oximeter sensor comprising:

a body configured to be placed near a patient;

a light source connected to said body to provide light to said patient;

a light collector connected to said body to collect light from said patient; and

a passive non-electronic temperature indicator comprising a color-changing temperature indicator mounted on said body to provide a visual indication of the temperature of said sensor, said temperature indicator not being in electrical communication with said sensor or with a processor of said sensor, and

wherein said body has an external surface, and wherein said temperature indicator is mounted on said external surface such that said temperature indicator is visible to a clinician when said sensor is in use.

30. The sensor of claim 29 further comprising an active heating element connected to said body.

31. The sensor of claim 29 wherein said temperature indicator comprises a liquid crystal temperature monitor.

32. The sensor of claim 29 wherein said temperature indicator comprises a number of segments of a color-changing temperature indicators, each activateable within a predetermined temperature range so as to provide a color-changing visual indication of the temperature of said sensor.

33. The sensor of claim 29 wherein said temperature indicator comprises a number of deposits of liquid crystals, each activateable within a predetermined temperature range so as to provide a color-changing visual indication of the temperature of said sensor.

34. The sensor of claim 29 wherein said temperature indicator produces a reversible color change.