Y-SHAPED EAR SENSOR WITH STRAIN RELIEF

• US 20120253152A1
• Filed: 03/31/2011
• Published: 10/04/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Haisley, Charles, Besko, David, Medina, Casey V., Battista, John, Lippe, Paul Von Der
• Granted Patent: US 8,768,426 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/323
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6815 Ear

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to sensors for use on a patient'"'"'s ear. The sensors as provided may be Y-shaped and configured to be retained on an ear with the forks of the Y-shape positioned below the main branch of the Y. In particular embodiments, the Y-shaped sensors may be affixed to the patient at locations on the head or neck to relieve strain and reduce the effects of motion on the optical components of the sensor.

Claims

1. A sensor comprising:

a sensor body comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to be applied to opposing sides of an ear;

an emitter disposed on the sensor body and configured to emit light into a tissue;

a light detector disposed on the sensor body and configured to receive the transmitted light from the tissue; and

a substantially flat region of the sensor body disposed between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the flat region is conformable and wherein a junction of the flat region and the sensor body is configured to be generally on top of or above the above the ear when the sensor is applied to the ear.

2. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sensor body comprises a hinge joining the first portion and the second portion.

3. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a magnet configured to align with a metallic element disposed on the second portion when the sensor is applied to the ear.

4. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first portion or the second portion are substantially flat.

5. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the emitter is disposed on the first portion and the detector is disposed on the second portion.

6. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sensor body comprises an adhesive.

7. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, comprising a cable extending from the substantially flat region.

8. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first portion is configured to be applied to a front of the ear and wherein the second portion is configured to be applied to a back of the ear.

9. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to be applied to an earlobe.

10. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first portion is longer than the second portion.

11. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a pulse oximetry sensor.

12. An ear sensor comprising:

a bifurcated sensor body comprising;

a main body;

a first fork, wherein the first fork is coupled to an emitter adapted to transmit light into a patient'"'"'s tissue; and

a second fork, wherein the second fork is coupled to a light detector configured to receive the transmitted light from the tissue, wherein the bifurcated sensor body comprises shielded wires and wherein the bifurcated sensor body comprises an adhesive configured to contact the patient'"'"'s tissue.

13. The ear sensor, as set forth in claim 12, wherein the first fork and the second fork are more conformable than the main body.

14. The ear sensor, as set forth in claim 12, wherein the first fork and the second fork comprise shapeable wires configured to hold a bent shape.

15. The ear sensor, as set forth in claim 12, comprising a cable, wherein a branching of the cable forms the first fork and second fork of the bifurcated sensor body.

16. The ear sensor, as set forth in claim 12, comprising optical components disposed on the first fork or the second fork at a location closer to the main body relative to the emitter or the detector.

17. A physiological monitoring system comprising:

A disposable ear sensor comprising;

a sensor body comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a main body extending from a junction of the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to be applied to opposing sides of an ear, wherein the sensor body comprises an adhesive disposed on at least a portion of a tissue-contacting surface;

an emitter disposed on the sensor body and configured to emit light into a tissue;

a light detector disposed on the sensor body and configured to receive the transmitted light from the tissue to generate an electrical signal related to a physiological parameter; and

a cable coupled to the sensor body and configured to carry the electrical signal; and

a monitor coupled to the ear sensor through the cable, wherein the monitor is configured to receive the electrical signal and provide an output related to the physiological parameter.

18. The physiological monitoring system of claim 17, wherein the first portion and the second portion are at least as long as an average ear.

19. The physiological monitoring system of claim 17, wherein the sensor body comprises a curved region that conforms to a top of the ear at a location on the sensor body that corresponds to the junction of the cable and the sensor body.

20. The physiological monitoring system of claim 19, wherein the curved region is generally resilient and wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise conformable regions located distally from the junction of the electrical connector and the sensor body.