Pulse oximeter sensor with articulating head

A perinatal pulse oximeter sensor for application to a fetus comprising:

• a sensor head having a fetus engaging surface for engagement with said fetus;
• light emitting means connected to said sensor head for emitting light of at least two wavelengths directed at said fetus;
• light detecting means mounted in said sensor head for collecting light to be detected;
• and
• an articulating arm coupled to said sensor head for placement of said sensor head on said fetus, wherein said articulating arm includes
• an elongate arm of flexible material having a lumen on one side off-center;
• an anchoring member adjacent an end of said lumen near said sensor head;
• and
• an activating member attached to said anchoring member and extending out an end of said lumen opposite said sensor head, said activating member providing a pressure on said sensor head.

A perinatal pulse oximeter sensor for application to a fetus comprising:

• a sensor head having a fetus engaging surface for engagement with said fetus;
• light emitting means connected to said sensor head for emitting light of at least two wavelengths directed at said fetus;
• light detecting means mounted in said sensor head for collecting light to be detected;
• an articulating arm coupled to said sensor head for placement of said sensor head on said fetus;
• means, connected to said articulating arm, for remotely controlling a degree of articulation over a plurality of angles;
• and
• a wet surface adhesive attached to said fetus engaging surface.

A perinatal pulse oximeter sensor for application to a fetus comprising:

• a sensor head having a substantially flat fetus engaging surface for engagement with said fetus;
• light emitting means connected to said sensor head for emitting light of at least two wavelengths directed at said fetus;
• light detecting means mounted in said sensor head for collecting light to be detected;
• a wet surface adhesive attached to said fetus engaging surface;
• and
• an articulating arm coupled to said fetus' head for placement of said sensor head on said fetus, wherein said articulating arm includes
• an elongate arm of flexible material having a lumen on one side off-center;
• an anchoring member adjacent an end of said lumen near said sensor head;
• and
• an activating member attached to said anchoring member and extending out an end of said lumen opposite said sensor head.

A method for applying a perinatal pulse oximeter sensor to a fetus and measuring blood oxygen saturation, comprising the steps of:

• providing a sensor head having a substantially flat fetus engaging surface;
• engaging said engaging surface with said fetus;
• attaching said fetus engaging surface to said fetus with a wet surface adhesive;
• articulating said sensor head to provide pressure against said fetus until said wet surface adhesive takes hold;
• emitting from said sensor head light of at least two wavelengths directed at said fetus;
• and
• collecting light to be detected in said sensor head.

A perinatal pulse oximeter sensor for application to a fetus comprising:

• a sensor head having a fetus engaging surface for engagement with said fetus;
• light emitting means connected to said sensor head for emitting light of at least two wavelengths directed at said fetus;
• light detecting means mounted in said sensor head for collecting light to be detected;
• and
• an articulating arm coupled to said sensor head for placement of said sensor head on said fetus, wherein said articulating arm includes
• an elongate arm of flexible material having a lumen on a side off-center and opposite said sensor head;
• and
• a rod disposed within said lumen and extending out an end of said lumen opposite said sensor head, said rod providing a pressure on said sensor head.