Reusable pulse oximeter probe with disposable liner

Details Reusable pulse oximeter probe with disposable liner Reusable pulse oximeter probe with disposable liner

1999-07-13

2001-11-20

Winakur, Eric F. (Department: 3736)

Surgery

Diagnostic testing

Measuring or detecting nonradioactive constituent of body...

C600S340000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06321100

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heretofore the use of pulse oximeter finger probes has been limited to the use of a costly reusable probe, which is available in only one size, and is contaminated by use on a patient, or cheaper, single-use probes, which, in the aggregate, amount to a considerable expenditure for a health care institution. The present invention relates to a method of making and affixing a reusable finger probe to a patient by means of a finger clip apparatus with a disposable liner insert so that there is no contact between the costly, reusable portion of the probe and the patient. The contaminated liner, which is relatively inexpensive, can then be discarded after single patient use and the probe and finger clip can be re-used with a new liner. Additionally, such disposable inserts may be provided of different sizes and would greatly enhance the fit and function of the finger clip on the patient. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, a fitted finger clip would be much more comfortable to wear than conventional finger clips. Secondly, a fitted finger clip would allow the transmission and reception of infrared light from the LEDs of the probe without interference from extraneous light sources around the front and edges of the finger, and thirdly, a fitted finger clip would evenly distribute the pressure from the spring of the finger clip and would be much less likely to restrict blood flow to the digit and thereby cause erroneous oxygen saturation readings.
THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention not only solves the problems outlined above, but offers an alternative that is cheap to manufacture and easy to use.
In detail, the present invention is a method for improving the reusability, fit, and cleanliness of a reusable pulse oximeter finger sensor. It comprises a reusable pulse oximeter probe with at least one light emitting diode and one photocell detector wherein said emitter and detector are mounted in respective finger clip housing arms having apertures therein, one housing arm having an aperture aligned with said emitter, and the other housing arm having an aperture aligned with said detector. Incorporated into each opposing side of the finger clip is a T-shaped channel or slot with a locking protrusion or detent at the entrance of each of the channels. Also included is a disposable foam liner which is an initially, substantially planar, foam strip, having plastic backing on at least a part thereof and two T-shaped protrusions mounted in the lateral plane of said plastic backing. At opposing ends of the foam strip, and incorporated into the T-shaped protrusions, are notched levers for locking the foam strip into position in the T-shaped channel of the finger clip. In the center of the foam strip, the plastic backing is of a thickness that will allow it to bend into a “U” shape for insertion into the finger clip. Alternatively, the plastic backing may be entirely absent and the inherent flexibility of the foam itself will allow it to bend into the desired shape. Additionally, the foam strip contains two apertures located centrally therein containing silicone windows, or windows of another radiation transparent material, that will allow for the transmission and reception of infrared light. Additionally, the foam may also contain an adhesive for helping to adhere the finger clip to the patient.
Finally, and in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the finger clip may be of scaled down design and would allow for the insertion of different sizes of molded foam that would conform in size to the digit on which the finger clip is to be used. In such an application, the foam itself would be intended to substantially envelop the finger and the finger clip would be a mechanism for pinching or biasing the two foam halves together.


REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 36000 (1998-12-01), Swedlow et al.
patent: 4621643 (1986-11-01), New, Jr. et al.
patent: 4685464 (1987-08-01), Goldberger et al.
patent: 4700708 (1987-10-01), New, Jr. et al.
patent: 4830014 (1989-05-01), Goodman et al.
patent: 5090410 (1992-02-01), Saper et al.
patent: 5094240 (1992-03-01), Muz
patent: 5170786 (1992-12-01), Thomas et al.
patent: 5437275 (1995-08-01), Amundsen et al.
patent: 5507286 (1996-04-01), Solenberger
patent: 5619992 (1997-04-01), Guthrie et al.
patent: 5673693 (1997-10-01), Solenberger
patent: 5678544 (1997-10-01), DeLonzor et al.
patent: 5817010 (1998-10-01), Hibl

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Reusable pulse oximeter probe with disposable liner does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Reusable pulse oximeter probe with disposable liner, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Reusable pulse oximeter probe with disposable liner will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2600924