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Shielded optical probe and method having a longevity indication

  • US 6,388,240 B2
  • Filed: 03/02/2001
  • Issued: 05/14/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of monitoring the age of an optical probe during use comprising:

  • generating a plurality of optical pulses;

    directing said plurality of optical pulses onto the tissue of a patient;

    detecting at least a portion of said plurality of optical pulses directed onto said tissue using a detector;

    generating a first signal representative of said patient'"'"'s condition based on said detected optical pulses;

    counting the number of said portion of said plurality of optical pulses;

    comparing said number to a predetermined value;

    generating a second signal indicative of the age of said probe when said number bears a given relationship to said predetermined value.

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