Medical sensor and technique for using the same

• US 7,738,937 B2
• Filed: 07/28/2006
• Issued: 06/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Eghbal, Darius, Coakley, Joseph, Raridan, William, Matlock, George L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur; Eric F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Berhanu; Etsub D
• Application Number:
  US11/495,490
• Publication Number:
  US 20070032707A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,418 Days
• Field of Search: 600/310, 600/322, 600/323, 600/344
• US Class Current: 600/344
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/12 Manufacturing methods specially adapted for producing sensors for in-vivo measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/247 Hygienic covers, i.e. for covering the sensor or apparatus during use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips

Abstract

A sensor assembly is provided that includes a skeletal frame comprising first and second portions configured to move relative to one another. At least one physiological sensor is attached to the frame. A coating is provided over the frame and the at least one physiological sensor to form the sensor assembly. The sensor may be placed on a patient'"'"'s finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. Methods for manufacturing and using a sensor are also provided as is a method for manufacturing a sensor body.

Claims

1. A method for acquiring physiological data, comprising:

emitting two or more wavelengths of light from an emitter of a unitary sensor assembly clipped to a patient, wherein the unitary sensor assembly comprises an overmolded skeletal frame and a biasing component attached to the skeletal frame;

detecting transmitted or reflected light using a photodetector of the unitary sensor assembly; and

determining a physiological parameter based on the detected light.

2. A clip-style sensor assembly, comprising:

a skeletal frame comprising at least a first portion and a second portion configured to move relative to one another;

a biasing component attached to the skeletal frame;

a light emitting element component attached to the first portion of the frame;

a light detecting component attached to the second portion of the frame such that, during use, light is emitted by the light emitting component toward the light detecting component; and

a coating permanently affixed to the frame to form a sensor assembly.

3. The sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the coating is provided over the biasing component.

4. The sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the light emitting component comprises a light emitting diode.

5. The sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the light detecting component comprises a photodetector.

6. The sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the coating comprises one or more regions configured to allow at least one of the light emitting component or the light detecting component to be displaced relative to a substantially rigid portion of the frame upon placement of the sensor assembly on a patient.