Pulse oximetry methods and apparatus for use within an auditory canal
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane, the auditory canal being lined with tissue and including a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane, the apparatus comprising:
- a first portion configured for placement in the auditory canal between the proximal bend and the distal bend, the first portion having a distal end extending toward the tympanic membrane when the apparatus is positioned within the auditory canal;
a second portion movably coupled to the distal end of the first portion, the second portion comprising an outer surface configured to abut at least a portion of the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane when the apparatus is positioned within the auditory canal,an emitter that emits light of one or more wavelengths from a first position on the outer surface of the second portion into the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane; and
a detector that detects the light of one or more wavelengths from the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane impinging upon a second position on the outer surface of the second portion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The auditory canal is lined with tissue and includes a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane. Oxygen levels are detected by emitting one or more wavelengths of light into a first position on the tissue of the auditory canal in a first region defined by the distal bend and the tympanic membrane. The wavelengths of light are then sensed at a second position on the tissue of the auditory canal in the first region. A blood oxygen saturation level and/or pulse rate is then calculated responsive to intensity information corresponding to the wavelengths of light detected at the second position.
245 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane, the auditory canal being lined with tissue and including a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane, the apparatus comprising:
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a first portion configured for placement in the auditory canal between the proximal bend and the distal bend, the first portion having a distal end extending toward the tympanic membrane when the apparatus is positioned within the auditory canal; a second portion movably coupled to the distal end of the first portion, the second portion comprising an outer surface configured to abut at least a portion of the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane when the apparatus is positioned within the auditory canal, an emitter that emits light of one or more wavelengths from a first position on the outer surface of the second portion into the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane; and a detector that detects the light of one or more wavelengths from the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane impinging upon a second position on the outer surface of the second portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane, the auditory canal being lined with tissue and including a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane, the apparatus comprising:
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a body having an outer surface configured to abut at least a portion of the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane when the apparatus is positioned within the auditory canal; an emitter that emits light of one or more wavelengths from a first position on the outer surface into the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane; and a detector that detects the light of one or more wavelengths from the tissue of the auditory canal between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane impinging upon a second position on the outer surface. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane, the auditory canal being lined with tissue and including a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane, said method comprising the steps of:
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emitting one or more wavelengths of light into a first position on the tissue of the auditory canal in a first region located between the distal bend and the tympanic membrane; detecting the one or more wavelengths of light at a second position on the tissue of the auditory canal in the first region, the second position being spaced from the first position; and calculating at least one of (i) a blood oxygen saturation level and (ii) a pulse rate responsive to intensity information corresponding to the one or more wavelengths of light detected at the second position. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification