Specially configured lip/cheek pulse oximeter/photoplethysmography probes, selectively with sampler for capnography, and covering sleeves for same

A probe for measurement of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or a cheek of a patient, comprising:

• a. a resilient probe frame having an inner face and an outer face, said frame comprising a proximal arm connecting at one end to a cable and at the other end to a bridging section of said frame, said bridging section connecting the proximal arm to one end of a distal arm of said frame, wherein a portion of said distal arm is at a determined distance from an opposing portion of said proximal arm;
• b. a first pad positioned over at least two light-generating structures that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands known to differentiate oxygenated from non-oxygenated hemoglobin, on the inner face of said portion of the distal arm or of the proximal arm;
• c. a second pad positioned over at least one light-detecting structure that detects light transmitted from said first pad, on the inner face of the arm opposing the first pad;
• d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating structures, connecting said structures to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting structure to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting structure, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said resilient probe frame and thereafter through said cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system;
• and
• e. a means for attaching an associated device selected from the group consisting of a capnography sampler and a cannula device for the supply of oxygen or oxygen-rich gas,
• wherein said means for attaching provides for reversible and adjustable engagement of said associated device.

A probe for measurement of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or a cheek of a patient, comprising:

• a. a resilient probe frame having an inner face and an outer face, said frame comprising a proximal arm connecting at one end to a cable and at the other end to a bridging section of said frame, said bridging section connecting the proximal arm to one end of a distal arm of said frame, wherein a portion of said distal arm is at a determined distance from an opposing portion of said proximal arm;
• b. a first pad comprising at least two light-generating structures that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands known to differentiate oxygenated from non-oxygenated hemoglobin, positioned on the inner face of said portion of the distal arm or of the proximal arm;
• c. a second pad comprising at least one light-detecting structure that detects light transmitted from said first pad, positioned on the inner face of the arm opposing the first pad;
• d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating structures, connecting said structures to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting structure to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting structure, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said resilient probe frame and thereafter through said cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system;
• and
• e. integrally attached at least one member of the group consisting of a capnography sampler and a cannula device for the supply of oxygen or oxygen-rich gas.