SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE LIFE OF A PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR

• US 20170202490A1
• Filed: 12/22/2016
• Published: 07/20/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Original Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Inventors: Weber, Walter M., McHale, Ryan Timothy, Al-Ali, Ammar
• Granted Patent: US 10,039,482 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0238 Means for recording calibration data
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0266 for monitoring or limiting apparatus function
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0276 Determining malfunction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/028 Arrangements to prevent overuse, e.g. by counting the number of uses
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/045 with a separable interface unit, e.g. for communication
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0238 Optical sensor arrangements for performing transmission measurements on body tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/043 in a linear array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/085 combined with means for recording calibration data
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• 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

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formulas for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.

Claims

1. A reusable noninvasive physiological sensor configured to store sensor use information, the sensor comprising:

a first and second emitter configured to emit light of at least two wavelengths through tissue;

a detector configured to sense the light after it has passed through the tissue and to generate a signal indicative of the sensed light;

a memory device configured to store at least one indication of sensor use information and a plurality of sensor life functions for use in determining the useful life of the sensor by a separately housed patient monitor; and

a communication port configured to communicate the signal, the at least one indication of sensor use information and at least one of the plurality of sensor life functions to the separately housed patient monitor, wherein the separately housed patient monitor calculates the useful life of the sensor using the at least one indication of sensor use information and the at least one of the plurality of sensor life functions received from the sensor.