Resposable pulse oximetry sensor
First Claim
1. A pulse oximetry sensor comprising:
- a reusable portion comprising an emitter configured to transmit light through tissue, a detector configured to receive light from tissue, a first contact, an external connector configured to attach to a monitor, and electrical circuitry configured to provide electrical communications to and from the external connector, the emitter, the detector and the first contact; and
a disposable portion configured to attach the reusable portion to the tissue, the disposable portion comprising an information element;
a breakable conductor, and a second contact electrically connecting the information element and the breakable conductor, the second contact configured to create an electrical connection to the first contact when the disposable portion is combined with the reusable portion.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A pulse oximeter sensor has both a reusable and a disposable portion. The reusable portion of the sensor preserves the relatively long-lived and costly emitter, detector and connector components. The disposable portion of the sensor is the relatively inexpensive adhesive tape component that is used to secure the sensor to a measurement site, typically a patient'"'"'s finger or toe. The disposable portion of the sensor is removably attached to the reusable portion in a manner that allows the disposable portion to be readily replaced when the adhesive is expended or the tape becomes soiled or excessively worn. The disposable portion may also contain an information element useful for sensor identification or for security purposes to insure patient safety. A conductive element that allows a pulse oximeter monitor to read the information element is located on the disposable portion in such a way that continuity is broken when the adhesive tape become torn, such as upon removal from the measurement site.
1157 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A pulse oximetry sensor comprising:
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a reusable portion comprising an emitter configured to transmit light through tissue, a detector configured to receive light from tissue, a first contact, an external connector configured to attach to a monitor, and electrical circuitry configured to provide electrical communications to and from the external connector, the emitter, the detector and the first contact; and
a disposable portion configured to attach the reusable portion to the tissue, the disposable portion comprising an information element;
a breakable conductor, and a second contact electrically connecting the information element and the breakable conductor, the second contact configured to create an electrical connection to the first contact when the disposable portion is combined with the reusable portion.
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2. A resposable sensor for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter in tissue, the resposable sensor comprising:
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a reusable portion comprising an emitter and a detector; and
a disposable portion comprising at least one of an information element and a conductor electrically connected to the reusable portion, wherein the disposable portion is configured to secure the reusable portion to a measurement site. - View Dependent Claims (3)
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4. A method of providing disposable oximeter sensor elements, the method comprising:
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forming a disposable housing configured to receive a reusable electronic circuit; and
forming a conductor trace within the disposable housing, the conductor trace configured to cause an electrical disconnect when the disposable housing is damaged, overused, or repeatedly attached. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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- 5. A method of providing reusable oximeter sensor elements, the method comprising forming a reusable electronic circuit comprising an emitter and a detector, the reusable electronic circuit being configured to electrically connect with electronic components of a disposable housing and to employ the disposable housing for attachment to a measurement site.
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6. A method of reusing costly circuitry of a sensor while reducing patient cross-contamination, the method comprising:
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creating a sensor through combining reusable electronic circuitry comprising an emitter and a detector, with a first disposable material such that an electrical connection is made between the reusable electronic circuitry and electronic components associated with the first disposable material;
attaching the sensor to a measurement site;
removing the sensor;
separating the reusable electronic circuitry from the first disposable material; and
recombining the reusable electronic circuitry with a second disposable material. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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8. A pulse oximeter comprising:
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a sensor comprising a reusable portion, and a disposable portion including a breakable conductor electrically connected to the reusable portion, the breakable conductor configured to cause an electrical disconnect in the event of overuse, damage, or excessive reattachment of the disposable portion;
a monitor; and
a cable for connecting the sensor to the monitor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A pulse oximeter comprising:
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a sensor comprising a reusable portion, and a disposable portion including an information element electrically connected to the reusable portion through a breakable conductor, the breakable conductor configured to electrically disconnect the information element from the reusable portion in the event of overuse, damage, or excessive reattachment of the disposable portion;
a monitor; and
a cable for connecting the sensor to the monitor, wherein the reusable portion further comprises an emitter and a detector.
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- 13. A pulse oximeter sensor element comprising a disposable material incorporating electronic components, wherein the disposable material is configured to removably receive reusable oximeter sensor elements comprising an emitter and a detector, such that the electronic components electrically connect with the reusable oximeter sensor elements, and wherein the disposable material is configured to secure the reusable oximeter sensor elements to a measurement site.
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15. A pulse oximeter sensor element comprising reusable electronic circuitry comprising an emitter and a detector, wherein the reusable electronic circuitry is configured to electrically connect with electronic components of a disposable housing and to employ the disposable material for attachment to a measurement site.
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16. A resposable sensor for measuring a tissue aspect, the resposable sensor comprising:
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a face tape;
a base tape removably attached to the face tape; and
reusable measurement circuitry including at least one emitter and a detector, wherein the reusable measurement circuitry is removably secured between the face tape and the base tape, is configured to connect to an external monitor, and is configured to measure an aspect of tissue at a measurement site, wherein the face tape further includes at least one of an information element and a breakable conductor connected to the reusable measurement circuitry when the reusable measurement circuitry is secured to the face tape. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. A resposable sensor comprising:
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a reusable emitter and detector removably connected to a patient cable, and a replaceable envelope comprising electronic circuitry configured to attach to the reusable emitter and detector such that the electronic circuitry monitors at least one characteristic of the resposable sensor, wherein the replaceable envelope is also configured to removably receive the reusable emitter and detector and configured to secure the reusable emitter and detector to a measurement site.
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20. A pulse oximetry sensor comprising:
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a reusable portion comprising an emitter, a detector, a connector configured to provide communication between the detector and a monitor and the emitter and the monitor, and a first contact in communication with the connector; and
a disposable portion comprising a second contact, and an information element and a conductive element disposed on an adhesive substrate configured to secure the reusable portion to a measurement site, the disposable portion removably attached to the reusable portion in a first position such that the first contact contacts the second contact, and detached from the reusable portion in a second position, the conductive element comprising a continuity condition connecting the information element to the second contact so that the information element is in communications with the connector and a discontinuity condition isolating the information element from the second contact and the connector, the discontinuity condition resulting form use of the disposable portion substantially beyond a predetermined amount.
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Specification