Optical sensor including disposable and reusable elements

• US 20050245797A1
• Filed: 06/30/2005
• Published: 11/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Original Assignee: Masimo Laboratories, Inc. (Masimo Corporation)
• Inventors: Abdul-Hafiz, Yassir, Al-Ali, Ammar
• Granted Patent: US 7,225,007 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/344
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6833 Adhesive patches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A pulse oximetry sensor includes reusable and disposable elements. To assemble the sensor, the reusable element is snapped or slid within assembly mechanisms of the disposable element. In one embodiment, the reusable element includes protrusions while the disposable element includes tabs which receive the protrusions. In another embodiment, the reusable element includes neck portions and the disposable element includes straps which receive the neck portions. In any event, the assembly provides longitudinal movement between elements.

Claims

1. A sensor for outputting a signal indicative of one or more physiological parameters of tissue of a patient, the sensor comprising:

a reusable element comprising one or more energy emission devices, an energy detection device configured to output a signal indicative of one or more parameters of tissue of a patient, and a plurality of neck sections, each of which is narrower in cross section than adjacent sections of the reusable element; and

a disposable element comprising a bandage adapted to attach to the tissue, and a plurality of straps, each strap including a gap adapted to receive one of the plurality of neck sections, wherein the gap is narrower in cross section than the adjacent sections of the reusable element.

2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of neck sections includes a long neck section and a short neck section, wherein the long neck section is longer than a width of a corresponding strap, and wherein the short neck section is about the width of another corresponding strap.

3. A method of assembling and using a sensor, the method comprising:

snapping a reusable element into a disposable element to form a sensor, wherein, after assembly, at least a portion of the reusable element moves with respect to the disposable element to reduce stretching forces exerted on the reusable element during attachment of the sensor to a measurement site; and

removably attaching the disposable element to the measurement site.

4. A pulse oximetry sensor for outputting a signal indicative of one or more physiological parameters of tissue of a patient, the sensor comprising:

a reusable element comprising an energy emission device adapted to transmit energy into tissue of a patient, an energy detection device adapted to detect energy from the tissue and output a signal indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the tissue, a protective cover, and a plurality of protrusions extending from said protective cover; and

a disposable element comprising a plurality of attachment members adapted to receive the protrusions of the reusable element and properly position the disposable element with respect to the reusable element.

5. The pulse oximetry sensor of claim 4, including an adhesive layer adapted to removably attach the disposable element to the tissue.

6. The pulse oximetry sensor of claim 4, wherein the protective cover further comprises a pliable coating.

7. The pulse oximetry sensor of claim 4, wherein the cover substantially encapsulates the reusable element.

8. A method of providing a pulse oximetry sensor, the method comprising:

providing a reusable element including an energy emission device adapted to transmit energy into tissue of a patient, an energy detection device adapted to detect energy from the tissue and output a signal indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the tissue, a protective cover, and a plurality of protrusions extending from said protective cover; and

providing a disposable element including a top layer with a plurality of attachment members adapted to receive the protrusions of the reusable element, and an adhesive adapted to removably attach to the tissue,

wherein the reusable element is configured to be combined with the disposable element to form a pulse oximetry sensor.

9. A method of providing a replaceable disposable element of an optical pulse oximetry sensor, the method comprising:

providing a first tape layer including a plurality of attachment members, wherein the first tape layer is configured to receive and position a reusable element of an optical sensor in a manner allowing for independent adjustment along an axis of the reusable element to avoid damaging portions of the reusable element; and

providing a second layer attached to the first layer and configured to removably attach the optical sensor to a measurement site.