User replaceable optical subsystem for laser-based photoplethysmography

• US 20140135601A1
• Filed: 11/09/2012
• Published: 05/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Kestrel Labs, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Kestrel Labs, Inc.
• Inventors: Pologe, Jonas Alexander, Delianides, Theodore Philip
• Application Number:
  US13/672,926
• Publication Number:
  US 20140135601A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/324
• 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 5/02427 Details of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0261 using optical means, e.g. infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/029 Measuring or recording blood output from the heart, e.g. minute volume A61B8/065 takes precedence
• 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 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/743 Displaying an image simultaneously with additional graphical information, e.g. symbols, charts, function plots
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A replaceable optical subsystem for a laser-based photoplethysmographic monitor. At least one laser light source (200) is located in an optical subsystem (110) that can be easily detached from the monitor (110). The optical subsystem is attached to the monitor with the aid of a listening element (170) and communicates with the monitor via a monitor connector (160). The patient cable and sensor system, for delivery of the signals to and from the tissue-under-test, attach to the optical subsystem via a sensor connector (150). Other embodiments are described and shown.

Claims

1. A photoplethysmographic device including an optical subsystem the optical subsystem, the optical subsystem comprising:

a. one or more light sources;

b. a sensor connector for connecting a sensor cable to the optical subsystem;

c. a monitor connector for connecting the optical subsystem to a monitor;

d. at least one of the light sources consisting of a laser; and

e. at least one fastening, element for removably attaching the optical subsystem to the monitor.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the sensor connector includes one or more electrical conductors and one or more light guides.

3. The device of claim 1 further including at least one signal path configured to pass a signal substantially unaltered through the optical subsystem.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one fastening element is operable by a simple tool.

5. The device of claim 1 further including a memory element.

6. The device of claim 1 further including a housing for substantially enclosing the optical subsystem.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the monitor connector is positioned within the optical subsystem to engage concurrently with installation of the optical subsystem to the monitor.

8. A method of manufacturing an optical subsystem of a photoplethysmographic device, the method of manufacturing the optical subsystem comprising the steps of:

a. providing one or more light sources;

b. providing a sensor connector for connecting a sensor cable to the optical subsystem;

c. providing a monitor connector for connecting the optical subsystem to a monitor;

d. selecting a laser for at least one of the one or more light sources; and

e. providing at least one fastening element for removably connecting the optical subsystem to the monitor.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of including one or more electrical conductors and one or more light guides in the sensor connector.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of providing at least one signal path for passing a signal substantially unaltered through the optical subsystem between the sensor connector and the monitor connector.

11. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of designing the at least one fastening element to be operable by a simple tool.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of providing a memory element to provide information on the optical subsystem to the monitor.

13. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of substantially enclosing the optical subsystem in a housing.

14. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of positioning the monitor connector within the optical subsystem to engage concurrently with installation of the optical subsystem to the monitor.

15. A photoplethysmographic device including an optical subsystem, the optical subsystem comprising:

a. one or more laser light sources;

b. a hybrid electrical optical cable connector for connecting a sensor cable to the optical subsystem;

c. an interface connector for connecting the optical subsystem to a monitor;

d. at least one fastening element for removably attaching the optical subsystem to the monitor; and

e. a protective housing that substantially encloses the optical subsystem.