REFLECTION-DETECTOR SENSOR POSITION INDICATOR

• US 20140296720A1
• Filed: 06/18/2014
• Published: 10/02/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Original Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Inventors: Lamego, Marcelo M.
• Granted Patent: US 9,119,595 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/479
• 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 5/0261 using optical means, e.g. infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/061 Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body A61B1/00158 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• 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 5/1495 Calibrating or testing of in-vivo probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6844 Monitoring or controlling distance between sensor and tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7405 using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/743 Displaying an image simultaneously with additional graphical information, e.g. symbols, charts, function plots

Abstract

A reflection-detector sensor position indicator comprises emitters that transmit light having a plurality of wavelengths. A detector outputs a sensor signal. At least one reflection detector outputs at least one sensor position signal. An attachment assembly attaches the emitters, the detector and the reflection detector onto a tissue site. A sensor-on condition indicates that the attachment assembly has positioned the emitters generally centered over a fingernail, the detector on a fingertip opposite the fingernail and the reflection detector over the fingernail. The sensor signal, in the sensor-on condition, is at least substantially responsive to the emitter transmitted light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow perfused within a fingernail bed underneath the fingernail. The sensor position signal, in the sensor-on condition, is at least substantially responsive to the emitter transmitted light after reflection off of the fingernail.

Claims

1. A physiological measurement system comprising:

a sensor having an attachment assembly configured to position emitters over a fingernail and to position a detector on a fingertip opposite the fingernail so that the emitters are positioned to transmit multiple wavelength light into the fingernail and so that the detector is positioned to detect the transmitted light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow perfused within a fingernail bed underneath the fingernail and generate a sensor signal responsive to the intensity of the detected light; and

a physiological monitor in communications with the sensor so as to drive the emitters, receive the corresponding sensor signal from the detector and generate a display that depicts the position of a finger relative to the sensor.

2. The physiological measurement system according to claim 1 further comprising a second detector incorporated within the sensor that generates a sensor position signal responsive to the position of the emitters over the fingernail.

3. The physiological measurement system according to claim 2 further comprising a third detector incorporated within the sensor that generates a second sensor position signal responsive to the position of the emitters over the fingernail.

4. The physiological measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the physiological monitor is further configured to indicate a sensor under-positioned condition and a sensor over-positioned condition.

5. The physiological measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the physiological monitor is further configured to indicate a sensor on condition and a sensor off condition.

6. The physiological measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the physiological monitor indicates a sensor off misplaced condition using an audible alert.

7. A physiological monitor comprising:

a sensor input configured to receive and communicate with a sensor connector, the sensor having an attachment assembly configured to position emitters and at least one detector relative to a finger of a patient; and

a hardware processor which receives signals output from the sensor and generates a display that depicts the position of a finger relative to the sensor.

8. The physiological monitor of claim 7, wherein the at least one detector comprises at least two detectors and wherein at least one of the detectors generates a sensor position signal responsive to the position of the emitters over the finger.

9. The physiological monitor of claim 8, further comprising a third detector incorporated within the sensor that generates a second sensor position signal responsive to the position of the emitters over the finger.

10. The physiological monitor of claim 7, wherein the physiological monitor is further configured to indicate a sensor under-positioned condition and a sensor over-positioned condition.

11. The physiological monitor of claim 7, wherein the physiological monitor is further configured to indicate a sensor on condition and a sensor off condition.

12. The physiological monitor of claim 7, wherein the physiological monitor indicates a sensor off misplaced condition using an audible alert.