Specially configured nasal pulse oximeter/photoplethysmography probes, and combined nasal probe/cannula, selectively with sampler for capnography, and covering sleeves for same

A probe to measure pulse-based differences in light absorbence by the vascularized tissue of the septum of the nose of a patient in need thereof, integral with a cannula to supply oxygen or oxygen-rich gas into the nose, comprising:

• a. a housing from which emanates two extensions, each said extension sufficiently sized and spaced to enter one nares of the nose, and configured to provide a non-contiguous fit with regard to said septum, wherein one or both extensions are fashioned to provide one or more passages for transport of said oxygen or oxygen-rich gas into the nose;
• b. at least two light-generating components that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands, positioned on the inside face of one of the two extensions;
• c. at least one light-detecting component that detects light transmitted from said at least two light-generating components, positioned on the inside face of the other of the two extensions;
• and
• d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating components, connecting said components to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting component to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting component, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said housing and thereafter through a cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system
• wherein data obtained from said probe is used to provide pulse oximetry results, other plethysmophotometric results, or both.

A probe to measure pulse-based differences in light absorbence by the vascularized tissue of the septum of the nose, comprising:

• a. a housing from which emanates two extensions configured for providing a non-contiguous fit with regard to said septum;
• b. at least two light-generating components that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands, positioned on the inside face of one of the two extensions;
• c. at least one light-detecting component that detects light transmitted from said at least two light-generating components, positioned on the inside face of the other of the two extensions;
• and
• d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating components, connecting said components to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting component to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting component, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said housing and thereafter through a cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system
• wherein said two extensions are sized and spaced such that there is not a pressing or a continuous contact against the mucosal tissue of the nasal septum by both said extensions where are positioned said at least two light-generating components and said at least one light detecting component, and wherein data obtained from said probe is used to provide pulse oximetry results, other plethysmophotometric results, or both.