Medical sensor with flexible components and technique for using the same
AssigneeNellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
InventorsDavid Besko, Edward M. McKenna
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
According to various embodiments, a hat-based or headband sensor assembly may include thin or flexible optical sensing components, such as optical fibers or ultra thin emitters or detectors. In embodiments, the sensor assembly may be a hat-based sensor that includes a gripping region, for example on the inside of the hat band, to help secure the hat to a patient's head.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a sensor body configured to be applied to a patient's head, foot, or hand;
- a first optical fiber woven into the sensor body, wherein the first optical fiber is configured to transmit a light into a tissue region of the patient;
- and
- a second optical fiber woven into the sensor body, wherein the second optical fiber is configured to transmit the light from the tissues region to a detector.
A pulse oximetry system comprising:
- a pulse oximetry monitor;
- and
- a sensor assembly capable of being operatively coupled to the monitor, the sensor assembly comprising:
- a structure capable of being applied to a patient's head;
- a first plurality of optical fibers woven into the structure, wherein the first plurality of optical fibers are configured to emit light into a respective plurality locations on the patient's head;
- and
- a second plurality of optical fibers woven into the stocking cap, wherein the second plurality of optical fibers are configured to detect the light.
A sensor comprising:
- a fabric or woven stocking cap;
- a gripping portion disposed on the stocking cap comprising a tissue-contacting surface;
- an emitter disposed on the gripping portion, wherein the emitter is configured to emit a light into a forehead region of the patient's head;
- and
- a detector disposed on the gripping portion, wherein the detector is configured to detect the light.
The sensor of 14, wherein the emitter and the detector protrude less than 1 mm from the tissue-contacting surface of the stocking cap.
The sensor of 14, wherein the gripping portion has a static coefficient of friction greater than 10.
The sensor of 14, wherein the gripping portion is disposed on an interior surface of a band of the stocking cap.
The sensor of 14, wherein the emitter and the detector are substantially flush with the tissue-contacting surface of the stocking cap.
The sensor of 14, wherein the emitter and the detector protrude less than 0.5 mm from the tissue-contacting surface of the stocking cap.
The sensor of 14, comprising a cable extending through an opening in a top portion of the stocking cap, wherein the cable is coupled to the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.