Noninvasive detection of a physiologic parameter with a probe

Abstract

The invention provides a device for contacting a surface of a patient's body to determine a physiologic parameter in a measurement region of a tissue of the patient. The device typically comprises a sensor responsive to the physiologic parameter and a probe housing the sensor. The probe is constructed to allow the sensor to be secured at a sensing site adjacent to the measurement region, without disturbing the blood flow within the measurement region of the tissue. The device may also include a means for reducing interference in the sensing area. Preferably, the device further comprises an indicating means operably connected to the sensor for indicating an analyte quantity and/or concentration associated with the physiologic parameter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 366,903, filed Feb. 14, 2003, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 162,028, filed Jun. 3, 2002, now abandoned, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for noninvasive detection of a physiologic parameter within a tissue of a patient. More particularly, the invention relates to such devices and methods that allow a probe containing at least one sensor to be placed adjacent to a surface of the tissue, without substantially disturbing blood flow in the tissue, and / or without interference from interfering fluids or radiation. BACKGROUND [0003] There is a continuing need for improved devices and methods for determining one or more physiologic parameters of a patient. Often, such physiologic parameters are determined by de...

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Benefits of technology

[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by providing

Problems solved by technology

Noninvasive techniques for analyte detection are preferred over invasive detection techniques because invasive procedures result in stress and discomfort to patients.

First, drawing blood requires the puncturing of a patient's skin and creates a risk of infection.

Second, hypodermic needles used in drawing blood may also pose a risk of accidental infection to health care professionals such as phlebotomists who routinely use the needles and sanitary workers who handle contaminated needles.

Third, the technique of drawing blood and in vitro testing is not easily adaptable for real-time and continuous monitoring of changes in analyte.

Excessive sedation may cause permanent injury to the patient, sometimes resulting in death, and insufficient sedation is ineffective to suppress pain.

However, improper maintenance may subject the liquid electrolyte to evaporation or dryin

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