Universal modular pulse oximeter probe for use with reusable and disposable patient attachment devices

Abstract

A system and method of standardizing modular probe housings so that the standardized probe housings may be incorporated into probes adapted to work with at least one of a multiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters. The probe housings are adapted to matingly engage at least a disposable bandage apparatus and a reusable finger attachment device.A pulse oximeter system comprises a finger attachment device having first and second probe couplers, the first and second probe couplers are configured to be matingly engageable with probe housings of a pulse oximeter probe.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,585. The reissue applications are application Ser. No. 11 / 404,123, filed Apr. 13, 2006, and the present application, which is a co-pending continuation reissue application of the 11 / 404,123 application and claims the benefit thereof, both of which are broadening reissues of U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,585. [0002]This applicationU.S. Pat. No. 6,721,585 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09 / 417,898, filed Oct. 14, 1999, entitled REUSABLE PULSESPULSE OXIMETER PROBE AND DISPOSABLE BANDAGE APPARATUS, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,224, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09 / 289,647, filed Apr. 12, 1999, entitled REUSABLE PULSE OXIMETER PROBE AND DISPOSABLE BANDAGE APPARATUSand, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,868,; and is a continuation-in-part of application of Ser. No. 09 / 679,828, filed Oct. 5, 2000, entitled REUSABLE PULSE...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a system and method for standardizing a pulse oximeter probe. The probe has a housing with a window for transmitting and receiving light through the patient's appendage when attached to a reusable finger attachment device or a disposable bandage apparatus. The housing can lockingly engage and disengage with the receptacles of the attached device. The probe is standardized in size so that it can be used with different manufacturers' oximeters. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a versatile and standardized pulse oximeter probe that can be used with different attachment devices."

Problems solved by technology

Heretofore the use of pulse oximeter probes has been limited to the use of a costly, reusable probe, which is contaminated by use on a patient, or cheaper, single-use probes, which, in the aggregate, amount to a considerable expenditure for a healthcare institution.

Firstly, it is difficult to insert the flexible laminated sensor into a long sleeve.

Secondly, the thickness of a laminated sensor inside of a sleeve makes it difficult to bend around, and to stick properly to, a human appendage.

Thirdly, transmission and reception of infrared light can be affected by extraneous light entering from the sides of the sleeve.

And, fourthly, there is some dispute as to the affect on infrared light transmission when passing through the sleeve and the adhesive material coupled thereto.

One of the problems with pulse oximetry, and the continuity of monitoring a patient, is the vast array of different monitors used in different hospital departments.

Obviously, this creates additional expense in providing pulse oximetry monitoring.

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