Non-invasive perfusion monitor and system, specially configured oximeter probes, methods of using same, and covers for probes

Apparatus for analyzing pulse oximeter probe signals from at least two sites on a living vertebrate, to determine the presence or absence of, or to monitor changes in, impaired peripheral perfusion, comprising:

• a. means for receiving pulse oximeter probe signals from at least two sites on a living vertebrate, wherein at least one said site is a central source site and at least one said site is a peripheral site;
• b. means for signal averaging sufficient signals from each pulse oximeter probe site to obtain a statistically reliable average;
• c. means for calculating a time-set estimate of the arterial blood oxygen saturation based on said statistically reliable average;
• d. means for obtaining sequential time-set estimates of arterial blood oxygen saturation from each site;
• e. means for comparing a time-set estimate of the arterial blood oxygen saturation from the central source site with an estimate, taken at a similar time, of the arterial blood oxygen saturation from the first peripheral site;
• f. means for determining the presence or absence of, or the time-based changes in, impaired peripheral perfusion proximal to said first peripheral site based on the extent to which said first peripheral site has lower oxygen saturation than said central source site;
• and
• g. means for presenting results to a user of said apparatus.

An oximeter monitor system for analyzing pulse oximeter probe signals from at least two sites on a living vertebrate, to determine the presence or absence of, or to monitor changes in, impaired peripheral perfusion, comprising:

• a. output circuitry to deliver timed signals to energize light generating components of a least two pulse oximeter probes;
• b. input circuitry to receive signals from said at least two pulse oximeter probes positioned at at least two sites on a living vertebrate, wherein at least one said site is a central source site and at least one said site is a peripheral site;
• c. a computer loaded with software to
• 1. provide timed signals to energize said light generating components;
• 2. average sufficient signals from each pulse oximeter probe site to obtain a statistically reliable average;
• 3. calculate a time-set estimate of the arterial blood oxygen saturation based on said statistically reliable average;
• 4. repeat steps 2 and 3 to obtain sequential time-set estimates of arterial blood oxygen saturation from each site;
• 5. compare a time-set estimate of the arterial blood oxygen saturation from the central source site with an estimate, taken at a similar time, of the arterial blood oxygen saturation from the first peripheral site;
• and
• 6. based on developed parameters, determine the presence or absence of, or the time-based changes in, impaired peripheral perfusion proximal to said first peripheral site based on the extent to which said first peripheral site has lower oxygen saturation than said central souree site;
• and
• d. a read-out device to provide results to a user of said system.