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

[0016]In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light emitting diode and photocell detector of the probe assembly may be mounted in modular housings with locking levers which can engage an indentation or slot in the receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus and securely lock the housings into proper position within the receptacles, thus allowing the transmission and reception of infrared light through the mated housings and receptacles and through the appendage of a patient.

[0025]Despite the cost and safety advantages of the reusable probe and disposable bandage apparatus over disposable probes, an increasing number of institutions are beginning to utilize reusable finger clip probes because of the cost savings associated with a completely reusable product. Despite the discomfort of these devices and the risk of spreading infection from patient to patient, the trend toward reusable probes continues to strengthen.

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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