Sensor with adhesive region

Abstract

A sensor light emitting diode (LED), a detector for detecting light emitted by the LED, and a body supporting the LED and the detector. The body includes a first bandage including respective surfaces having a first type of adhesive and a second bandage coupled to a portion of the first bandage and including respective surfaces having a second type of adhesive.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 672,686, filed July 17, 2023, entitled “SENSORS WITH ADHESIVE REGIONS”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 599,913, filed November 16, 2024, entitled “SENSORS WITH ADHESIVE REGIONS”, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates in its entirety to medical monitoring devices (e.g., sensors) that include adhesive areas to enable adhesion to and / or adhesion to be reapplied to a surface after removal. Background Technology

[0003] Various medical monitoring devices can be used to monitor an individual's physiological characteristics. For example, various sensors can be used to measure an individual's temperature, pressure, oxygen levels, and other physiological characteristics. One such sensor (pulse oximetry sensor) can be used to measure the oxygen saturation level in an individual's blood by utilizing the wavelength of light. In this way, pulse oximetry sensors can provide physiological parameters related to an individual's respiratory and circulatory systems.

[0004] In some cases, pulse oximetry sensors may include an adhesive to allow them to be applied to or adhered to (e.g., attached to) an individual's skin. After application to the skin, the pulse oximetry sensor emits light through the skin to measure the oxygen saturation level in the individual's blood.

[0005] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the aspects of this disclosure described below and / or claimed. This discussion is intended to help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that these statements will be interpreted in this context and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following outlines some embodiments whose scope is commensurate with the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a light-emitting diode (LED), a detector, and a body that supports the LED and the detector. The body includes a first bandage and a second bandage, the first bandage including a corresponding surface having a first type of adhesive, and the second bandage coupled to a portion of the first bandage and including a corresponding surface having a second type of adhesive.

[0008] In some embodiments, a sensor includes an LED, a detector, and a body, the detector being used to detect light emitted by the LED, and the body supporting the LED and the detector. The body includes a first bandage and a second bandage, the first bandage including a first region of a first adhesive, and the second bandage including a second region of a second adhesive.

[0009] In some embodiments, a system includes a sensor having a detector to generate sensor data indicative of a patient's physiological parameters, wherein the sensor includes a body for supporting the detector. The body includes a first bandage having a first region of a first adhesive, and the body also includes a second bandage having a second region of a second adhesive. The system further includes a monitor communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive and process the sensor data to determine the patient's physiological parameters.

[0010] Various modifications to the features described above may exist regarding the various aspects of this disclosure. Other features may also be incorporated into these aspects. These modifications and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below relating to one or more embodiments of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated individually or in any combination into any of the foregoing aspects of this disclosure. The brief overview presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with certain aspects of this disclosure and the context of embodiments, and is not limited to the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The advantages of the disclosed technology will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical monitoring system configured to monitor oxygen saturation according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 A block diagram of a medical monitoring system;

[0014] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a sensor according to one aspect of this disclosure, which can be viewed from... Figure 1 This sensor is used in medical monitoring systems;

[0015] Figure 4 This is based on one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 3 A bottom view of the sensor after assembly;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of an embodiment of a sensor according to one aspect of this disclosure, which can be... Figure 1 This sensor is used in medical monitoring systems; and

[0017] Figure 6 This is an example illustration of a patient wearing a sensor according to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor representing Figure 3 Sensors and Figure 5 The sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementations are described in the specification. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, but will be routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0019] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “the” mean one or more of the elements present. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to indicate inclusiveness and that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” of this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that are also incorporated into the described features.

[0020] It is currently recognized that sensors may need to be removed and reapplied for various reasons, such as skin irritation, patient movement, sensor inspection, or maintenance. Without the embodiments disclosed herein, sensor removal and reappliedness may result in patient discomfort and / or loss of adhesive strength. Furthermore, without the embodiments disclosed herein, moisture (e.g., sweat) may accumulate at the sensor site, which may also lead to a loss of adhesive strength. Loss of adhesive strength may reduce the effectiveness and / or accuracy of the sensor.

[0021] Therefore, this disclosure relates generally to the field of medical monitoring devices, and more specifically to a sensor. The sensor includes a body having multiple layers, such as a backing, a first light-blocking layer (e.g., a metallized strip), and a second light-blocking layer. The backing and the first light-blocking layer may be coupled together (e.g., via any suitable adhesive) to form a first bandage (e.g., a top bandage). The second light-blocking layer may form a second bandage (e.g., a bottom bandage), or referred to herein as a second bandage. The first and second bandages may be coupled together (e.g., via any suitable adhesive) to form the body of the sensor. Flexible circuitry including a transmitter and a detector may be positioned as part of the sensor between the first and second bandages.

[0022] The body may include or provide multiple adhesive portions (e.g., zones, areas). Specifically, a first adhesive (e.g., a first type of adhesive) may be applied to a corresponding first surface of a first bandage to provide a first adhesive portion, and a second adhesive (e.g., a silicone adhesive; a second type of adhesive different from the first type of adhesive) may be applied to a corresponding first surface of a second bandage to provide a second adhesive portion. The first adhesive can facilitate repositioning by attaching the first bandage to itself via the first adhesive portion. For example, the first adhesive on a corresponding first surface of the first bandage can be detached and reattached to a corresponding second surface of the first bandage to attach the first bandage to itself at different times via the first adhesive portion. The second adhesive can facilitate adhesion of a sensor to a patient (e.g., to the patient's skin and / or nails), wherein the second adhesive portion contacts the patient and can be repositioned. For example, the second adhesive can contact and attach to the patient while also allowing detachment and reattachment to the patient at different times.

[0023] As described herein, a first bandage may include a backing and a first light-blocking layer. The backing may include a porous material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene). The porous material may include through-holes (e.g., extending through a respective first surface of the first bandage and through a respective second surface of the first bandage). The through-holes may also extend through a first adhesive portion. The porous material may facilitate self-attachment and reattachment via the first adhesive portion, as well as breathability when applied to a patient. For example, the first bandage may be wrapped around a patient's finger, and the backing may self-attach via the first adhesive portion. The porous material may limit or reduce (e.g., relative to a non-porous material without through-holes) the contact surface area of ​​the first adhesive while the backing is self-attached. That is, the porous material provides sufficient retention and adhesive cohesion to self-attach upon initial application, while also enabling separation and reattachment with sufficient retention and adhesive cohesion due to the through-holes, which limit the contact surface area of ​​the first adhesive, while the backing self-attaches upon subsequent application.

[0024] The first light-blocking layer may include a metallized strip that blocks (e.g., obstructs, suppresses) light. Furthermore, the first light-blocking layer may cover or overlap a portion (e.g., a small section) of the backing to limit or reduce (e.g., relative to some existing sensors) the metallized coverage area and improve breathability. The first light-blocking layer may also include a tear-resistant portion providing tear protection. The tear-resistant portion may include a first metallized strip portion disposed along a first side of the first light-blocking layer and a second metallized strip portion disposed along a second side of the first light-blocking layer. The tear-resistant portion may provide additional support for areas of the first bandage (e.g., the backing of the first bandage) that may be prone to tearing. Therefore, the sensor described herein can improve comfort, breathability, repositionability, and tear risk by providing a combination of structural features such as materials (including adhesives) at specific portions of the sensor, through-holes, limitation in the metallized coverage area, and tear-resistant portions.

[0025] Considering the foregoing, Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical monitoring system 10, which includes a patient monitor 12 (also referred to herein as a monitor) that can be used in conjunction with a medical sensor 14 (also referred to herein as a sensor for convenience). In the illustrated embodiment, the monitor 12 is a pulse oximetry monitor, and the sensor 14 is a pulse oximetry sensor. In such cases, the monitor 12 may be configured to process photoplethysmography (PPG) signals to calculate oxygen saturation (SpO2). It should be understood that the medical monitoring system 10 may be configured to obtain any of a variety of medical measurements, and the techniques described herein are adaptable to use with any type of monitor and sensor. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the monitor 12 may include a regional oximeter, and the sensor 14 may include a regional saturation sensor. In such cases, the monitor 12 may be configured to process PPG signals to calculate regional oxygen saturation (rSO2). Additionally, although the depicted embodiments exemplify sensor 14 configured for use on a patient's finger, it should be understood that sensor 14 may be adapted for use in other tissue locations, such as the forehead, temple, earlobe, toes, foot, heel, ankle, stomach, chest, back, neck, thigh, or any other suitable measurement site (e.g., with pulsating arterial flow).

[0026] Sensor 14 includes a sensor body 15 comprising multiple layers, such as a backing, a first light-blocking layer (e.g., a metallized strip), and a second light-blocking layer. Sensor body 15 may also include or support flexible circuitry with various components. Sensor 14 may be reusable, disposable, partially usable, or partially disposable. In some embodiments, medical monitoring system 10 may include multiple sensors 14 located at multiple locations.

[0027] Sensor 14 is communicatively coupled to monitor 12. In the illustrated embodiment, sensor 14 is coupled to monitor 12 via cable 16. Cable 16 may directly interface with sensor 14 and may include multiple conductors (e.g., wires) to transmit and / or receive signals. Additionally or alternatively, sensor 14 may communicate wirelessly with monitor 12 (e.g., sensor 14 and monitor 12 include wireless transceivers configured to communicate via any suitable wireless protocol). For example, sensor 14 may include a transceiver enabling the transmission of wireless signals to and / or reception of wireless signals from an external device (e.g., monitor 12). Additionally, multiple conductors or transceivers may transmit raw digitized detector signals, processed digitized detector signals, or calculated physiological parameters, as well as any data that may be stored in sensor 14. In operation, monitor 12 may receive signals from sensor 14, and monitor 12 may be configured to calculate or measure one or more physiological parameters based on these signals. Specifically, the monitor 12 may include a processor configured to execute (e.g., code stored in the monitor 12's memory or received from another device) code for filtering and processing signals from the sensor 14 to calculate physiological parameters, such as oxygen saturation. The monitor 12 may additionally or alternatively calculate any kind of physiological parameter, such as arterial oxygen saturation, regional or tissue oxygen saturation, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood pressure characteristic measurements, autoregulation status, brain activity, or any other suitable physiological parameter.

[0028] In addition, such as Figure 1 As illustrated, monitor 12 includes a display 18 configured to display one or more calculated physiological parameters, such as oxygen saturation. Display 18 may also display other information, such as instructions to charge sensor 14, alarm indications, settings, etc. In some embodiments, display 18 may be a touchscreen display. Monitor 12 may include various input components, such as touchscreen displays, knobs, switches, keys and keypads, buttons, etc., to provide operation and configuration of monitor 12. Monitor 12 may also include one or more indicator lights and one or more speakers. Monitor 12 may also include additional slots or wireless interfaces (e.g., channels) for connection to additional devices, such as additional sensors, to monitor additional physiological parameters of the patient and / or simultaneously monitor physiological parameters of other patients.

[0029] Furthermore, one or more functions of the monitor 12 disclosed herein may also be implemented directly in the sensor 14, or by any other suitable means. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor 14 may include one or more processing components configured to calculate physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation. The sensor 14 may have different levels of processing capability and may output data to the monitor 12 at various stages. For example, in some embodiments, the data output to the monitor 12 may be analog signals, such as detected light signals (e.g., pulse oximetry signals or regional saturation signals), or processed data.

[0030] Furthermore, in some embodiments, sensor 14 may include a battery to provide power to components of sensor 14. For example, sensor 14 may be configured to operate in wireless mode, and sometimes, when operating in wireless mode, it may not receive power from monitor 12. In some embodiments, the battery may be a rechargeable battery, such as, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or any other suitable rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, any suitable power source may be utilized, such as one or more capacitors or energy harvesting power sources (e.g., motion-generated energy harvesting devices, thermoelectric energy harvesting devices, or any other suitable energy harvesting power source). As described herein, sensor 14 includes various structural features to provide comfort, breathability, and repositionability, as well as to prevent tearing (e.g., structural damage) of sensor 14.

[0031] Go to Figure 2A simplified block diagram of a medical monitoring system 10 according to an embodiment is illustrated. The sensor 14 includes optical components in the form of one or more transmitters 22 (referred to herein as transmitters) and one or more detectors 24 (referred to herein as detectors). The transmitter 22 includes at least two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light of at least two wavelengths, for example, a red LED 28 configured to emit light of wavelengths within the red spectrum and an infrared (IR) LED 30 configured to emit light of wavelengths within the infrared or near-infrared spectrum. In one embodiment, LEDs 28 and 30 emit light in the range of about 600 nanometers (nm) to about 1000 nm. In one embodiment, the red LED 28 is configured to emit light between about 600 nm and 735 nm, and the IR LED 30 is configured to emit light between about 800 nm and 1000 nm. It should be noted that in any suitable application, the transmitter 22 may also transmit three, four, five, or more wavelengths of light. For example, in pulse oximetry applications, sensor 14 may include a transmitter 22 having a red LED 28 and an IR LED 30, both LEDs being configured to emit light at two wavelengths. As another example, in regional oximetry applications, sensor 14 may include two transmitters 22, each including a corresponding red LED 28 and a corresponding IR LED 30, and the two transmitters 22 together being configured to emit light at two to four wavelengths.

[0032] As discussed in more detail herein, the light driving circuit 32 of the monitor 12 can provide corresponding driving currents to the LEDs 28, 30 to cause the LEDs 28, 30 to emit light of corresponding wavelengths. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term "light" can refer to one or more of ultrasonic, radio, microwave, millimeter-wave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, gamma-ray, or X-ray electromagnetic radiation, and may also include any wavelength within the radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, or X-ray spectrum, and any suitable wavelength of light may be used in conjunction with this disclosure.

[0033] Emitter 22 emits light that passes through blood-perfused tissue, and detector 24 detects the light reflected or transmitted by the tissue. Emitter 22 and detector 24 may be arranged relative to each other in a transmission configuration or a reflection configuration. In a transmission configuration, light enters detector 24 after passing through the patient's tissue. In a reflection configuration, light is reflected by elements in the patient's tissue to enter detector 24. In either case, detector 24 may generate a signal (e.g., a PPG signal) indicating the intensity of the light received at detector 24, and detector 24 may transmit this signal to monitor 12.

[0034] A signal representing light intensity relative to time, or a mathematical processing of that signal (e.g., a scaled version thereof, a log of its acquisition, or a scaled version of the log of its acquisition), may be referred to as a PPG signal. Furthermore, the term "PPG signal," as used herein, may also refer to an absorbed signal (e.g., representing the amount of light absorbed by tissue) or any suitable mathematical processing thereof. The amount of light detected or absorbed can then be used to calculate any of a number of physiological parameters, including oxygen saturation (e.g., oxygen saturation in pulsating blood, SpO2), the amount of blood components (e.g., oxyhemoglobin), and / or physiological rates (e.g., pulse rate or respiratory rate; the time at which each individual pulse or breath occurs). For SpO2, both red and IR wavelengths can be used, as it has been observed that highly oxygenated blood will absorb relatively less red light and more IR light compared to blood with lower oxygen saturation. The oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood can be estimated by comparing the intensities of two wavelengths at different points in the pulse cycle, such as from values ​​that can be obtained from ratios, empirical data indexed by lookup tables, curve fitting, or other interpolation techniques.

[0035] As shown in the figure, sensor 14 also includes encoder 34. Encoder 34 can store information about sensor 14, such as sensor type, calibration information, etc. When accessed by monitor 12, the information about sensor 14 allows monitor 12 to use the signal received from detector 24 to calculate oxygen saturation and / or other physiological parameters. In some embodiments, sensor 14 may include sensing components other than or in place of transmitter 22 and detector 24. For example, in one embodiment, sensor 14 may include one or more actively powered electrodes (e.g., four electrodes) to obtain electroencephalogram (EEG) signals.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the monitor 12 includes one or more processors 40, a memory 42, and a display 18. The processor 40 can process signals received from the detector 24, such as by performing synchronous demodulation, amplification, and filtering of the signals. The processor 40 can process the signals received from the detector 24 to calculate one or more physiological parameters, such as oxygen saturation, using various algorithms. For example, the coefficients used in the algorithm can be accessed by the processor 40 from the encoder 34, or determined by the processor 40 based on calibration information from the sensor 14.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the monitor 12 includes a time processing unit (TPU) 44, which is controllable by a processor 40 and configured to provide timing control signals to the light driving circuit 32 and optionally to other parts of the medical monitoring system 10. The light driving circuit 32 controls when the red LED 28 and IR LED 30 are illuminated and / or provides drive current to the red LED 28 and IR LED 30. It should be understood that one or more functions or components of the monitor 12 disclosed herein may also be implemented directly in the sensor 14 or by any other suitable device. As described herein, the sensor 14 includes various structural features (such as multiple adhesive portions) to provide comfort, breathability, and repositionability, as well as to prevent tearing of the sensor 14 (e.g., structural damage).

[0038] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of sensor 14 according to one aspect of this disclosure, which can be seen in... Figure 1 The sensor is used in the medical monitoring system 10. For ease of discussion, the sensor 14 is described with reference to the longitudinal axis or direction 50, the transverse axis or direction 52, and / or the vertical axis or direction 54. Furthermore, the sensor 14 is described with reference to a first side 56 (e.g., the bottom side; the patient-facing side) and a second side 58 (e.g., the top side; opposite to the first side 56, such as when in a flat configuration, such as before being applied to the patient, opposite to the first side 56 along the vertical axis 54).

[0039] Sensor 14 includes a sensor body 15 that includes a first bandage 60 (e.g., a top bandage) coupled to a second bandage 62 (e.g., a bottom bandage). The first bandage 60 and the second bandage 62 are coupled together via any suitable adhesive. Before being applied to a patient, sensor 14 is supported on a release liner 63 (e.g., during manufacturing; stored before application to a patient).

[0040] The sensor body 15 houses or carries the components of the sensor 14. For example, the sensor body 15 is disposed around the transmitter 22 and / or detector 24. The flexible circuit 64, located between the first bandage 60 and the second bandage 62, includes the transmitter 22 and the detector 24 and is coupleable to a cable 16 that connects the components of the sensor 14 (including the transmitter 22 and the detector 24) to a connector 65 (e.g., a plug).

[0041] The first bandage 60 includes a first adhesive 66 at a respective first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the first bandage 60 to provide a first adhesive portion (e.g., a first area or region; outer area). In some embodiments, the first adhesive 66 may comprise an acrylic-based adhesive (e.g., an acrylic adhesive; an adhesive comprising an acrylic polymer). The first adhesive 66 facilitates application and repositioning on a patient by attaching the first bandage 60 to itself via the first adhesive portion. For example, the first bandage 60 may be wrapped around a patient's finger and attached to itself via the first adhesive portion. The first bandage 60 may conform closely to the patient's finger upon self-adhesion (e.g., conform to the finger). In effect, the first bandage 60 may adhere to itself upon contact between a respective second surface (e.g., top surface) and the first adhesive portion. In this way, the first bandage 60 can firmly self-adhere without the need for additional fasteners (e.g., without the need for separate straps, clips, or wraps).

[0042] The first bandage 60 includes a backing 68, a first light-blocking layer 72 (e.g., a metallized strip) coupled to the backing 68, and a tear-resistant portion 74 (e.g., a tear-reinforcing portion) extending from or included as part of the first light-blocking layer 72. The backing 68 extends along a longitudinal axis 50 and a transverse axis 52 (e.g., at least in a flat configuration) and comprises a porous material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene). The porous material is a flexible material including through-holes 78 (e.g., pores, voids, open spaces) that allow liquids (e.g., sweat) and gases (e.g., air) to pass through it. The through-holes 78 traverse the first bandage 60 along a vertical axis 54 (e.g., at least in a flat configuration). That is, the through-holes 78 open to a respective first surface and a respective second surface of the first bandage 60 and extend between the respective first and second surfaces of the first bandage. Therefore, a continuous path (e.g., a fluid path) is formed between the respective first surface and the respective second surface of the first bandage 60. It should be noted that the through-holes 78 may have irregular spacing, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the through holes 78 may be arranged at uniform intervals (e.g., in rows and columns). In some embodiments, the porous material may include embossing to create raised (e.g., raised and / or recessed; embossed; textured) patterns on the respective first surface and / or second surface of the first bandage 60.

[0043] Furthermore, the through-holes 78 and / or embossing can limit or reduce the contact of the first adhesive 66 during self-adhesion. In fact, when the through-holes 78 and / or embossing aggregate at the self-adhesion site, the through-holes 78 and / or embossing result in incomplete contact at the first adhesive 66, thereby facilitating subsequent separation for reattachment and maintaining the adhesiveness of the first adhesive 66 for reattachment. Therefore, the through-holes 78 and / or embossing allow spaces (e.g., air gaps) to persist between contact points along the first adhesive 66 at the self-adhesion site, enabling breathability and improving the retention of adhesive cohesion during the positioning and repositioning of the sensor 14. Additionally, when the sensor 14 is placed on a patient's finger, the patient may sweat from sweat glands on their finger. Sweat can evaporate more quickly through the through-holes 78 formed in the porous material of the backing 68. In this way, at least a first adhesive portion of the first bandage 60 (e.g., defined or included by a first adhesive 66 on an exposed portion of the corresponding first surface of the backing 68 that does not overlap with or be covered by the first light-blocking layer 72) facilitates the self-adhesion and repositioning of the sensor 14 and also provides breathability (e.g., sweat evaporation, airflow) via the porous material of the backing 68.

[0044] In some embodiments, the backing 68, the first light-blocking layer 72, and / or the tear-resistant portion 74 include markers 70 (e.g., first marker 70A and second marker 70B). Each marker 70 provides an identifier (e.g., a visible reference point) that enables the identification or recognition of one or more edges of the backing 68. As shown, the backing 68 includes markers 70 (e.g., first marker 70A and second marker 70B), each marker being disposed on opposite lateral sides (e.g., left and right sides) of the backing 68. The markers 70 may vary in color (e.g., a contrasting color relative to the rest of the backing 68 or at least adjacent portions), shape, length, width, and / or location to enable identification or recognition. Thus, the identification or recognition of one or more edges of the backing 68 enables (e.g., by an operator, such as a patient or medical professional) to initiate a process of pulling off the backing 68 after self-adhesion. It should be noted that, although Figure 3 Two markers are shown, but backing 68 may include any suitable number of markers to make the edges of backing 68 identifiable or identifiable.

[0045] A first light-blocking layer 72 is disposed beneath (e.g., below) the backing 68 and is coupling to a corresponding first surface of the backing 68 via any suitable adhesive. The first light-blocking layer 72 extends along both the longitudinal axis 50 and the transverse axis 52 and impedes (e.g., blocks, suppresses) light (e.g., blocks ambient light from reaching the detector 24). Reference Figure 3The covering portion of the backing 68 above the first light-blocking layer 72 may include openings (e.g., through-holes 78 covered by the first light-blocking layer 72; due to the manufacturing technique of the backing 68); however, it should be understood that at least some covering portions of the backing may not contain openings. Because the first light-blocking layer 72 blocks light, it comprises a material that is less breathable than the backing 68. Therefore, the size of the first light-blocking layer 72 is reduced or limited to increase or improve breathability for the patient. For example, the first light-blocking layer 72 is a portion (e.g., a small portion) of the size of the backing 68 (e.g., less than 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50% extending across the backing 68 in the longitudinal direction 50 and the transverse direction 52; less than 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, or 40% of the surface area of ​​the backing 68). In this way, reducing or limiting the size of the first light-blocking layer 72 increases or improves breathability in the area on the patient where the sensor 14 is placed.

[0046] The first light-blocking layer 72 includes a tear-resistant portion 74 extending along the transverse axis 52. The tear-resistant portion 74 may be disposed in any suitable area of ​​the first bandage 60. In some embodiments, the first bandage 60 may include a third adhesive at a corresponding first surface of the first bandage 60 corresponding to the tear-resistant portion 74. For example, the third adhesive may include a rubber-based adhesive (e.g., an adhesive comprising rubber). Furthermore, the tear-resistant portion 74 may include a first metallized strip portion and a second metallized strip portion. In some embodiments, the first metallized strip portion may be positioned along a first side of the first light-blocking layer 72 (e.g., the left side along the transverse axis 52), and the second metallized strip portion may be positioned along a second side of the first light-blocking layer 72 (e.g., the right side along the transverse axis 52). Alternatively or additionally, the tear-resistant portion 74 may be disposed at or near a marker 70 and may include any suitable material providing reinforcement to the first bandage 60. The tear-resistant portion 74 provides reinforcement (e.g., support, strength, security) to the first bandage 60. Therefore, the tear-resistant portion 74 provides protection against damage, abrasion and tearing, and external forces. In some embodiments, a tear-resistant portion 74 is provided where the cable 16 extends from or contacts the first bandage 60 to couple the sensor 14 to the monitor 12. In this way, the tear-resistant portion 74 reduces or limits the risk of tearing during coupling and disengagement of the sensor 14 from the monitor 12, and provides tear protection for the backing 68 during separation or repositioning of the sensor 14 from the patient.

[0047] Additionally, as described herein, a second light-blocking layer (e.g., a metallized strip) forms a second bandage 62, which is disposed below the first bandage 60. The first bandage 60 and the second bandage 62 are coupled together by coupling the first light-blocking layer 72 to each other via any suitable adhesive, and by positioning the flexible circuitry 64 between the first bandage 60 and the second bandage 62. The second bandage 62 has the same size and shape as (or is similar in size and shape to) the first light-blocking layer 72, and is aligned with or overlaps the first light-blocking layer 72. In this way, the second light-blocking layer also provides a reduced metallized coverage area and improves the breathability of the sensor 14. The second light-blocking layer forming the second bandage 62 obstructs or blocks light.

[0048] Furthermore, a second adhesive 82 is applied to a corresponding first surface of the second bandage 62 (e.g., bottom surface, surface closest to the patient, patient-side surface, patient-contact surface, exposed surface) to provide a second adhesive portion (e.g., a second zone or area; inner zone). The second adhesive 82 comprises a silicone-based adhesive, such as a silicone gel or a silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive. The second adhesive 82 facilitates adhesion to the patient (e.g., adhesion to the patient's skin and / or nails), wherein the second adhesive portion is in contact with the patient. The second adhesive 82 can be of any suitable thickness capable of adhering to the patient. For example, the thickness can be any value between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm. The second adhesive 82 allows for minimal damage to the skin during removal (e.g., by removing only a minimal amount of skin protein). Furthermore, the silicone of the second adhesive 82 provides comfort to the patient.

[0049] The first adhesive 66 (e.g., on a corresponding first surface of the backing 68; at the first adhesive portion) and the second adhesive 82 (e.g., on a corresponding first surface of the second bandage 62; at the second adhesive portion) may be different from each other (e.g., different types of adhesives, such as having different chemical formulations and / or different material properties). The first adhesive 66 may be selected to facilitate the adhesion of the backing 68 to itself (and its separation and reattachment), while the second adhesive 82 may be selected to facilitate the adhesion of the second bandage 62 to the patient (and its separation and reattachment). Thus, the sensor 14 can provide multiple adhesive portions (e.g., zones, areas) to provide comfort, breathability, repositioning, etc.

[0050] Even after various removals and reapplications of sensor 14, the first adhesive 66 and the second adhesive 82 can maintain peel force (e.g., peel strength, peel adhesion). Peel force can be a measure of the force involved in peeling the first adhesive 66 or the second adhesive 82 from the backing 68 or the patient, respectively. Therefore, the first adhesive 66 and the second adhesive 82 can be removed and reapplication (e.g., repositioning) multiple times while maintaining peel force. For example, repositioning sensor 14 may include separating the first adhesive 66 from itself, untying the first bandage 60 from a portion of the patient, separating the second bandage 62 from that portion of the patient, and reapplication of sensor 14 to the patient.

[0051] It should be understood that the first light-blocking layer 72 is coupled to the backing 68 via any suitable adhesive, such as the first adhesive 66. For example, during manufacturing, the first adhesive 66 may be applied to the entire respective first surface of the backing 68, and then the first light-blocking layer 72 may be coupled to the backing 68 via the first adhesive 66. Similarly, it should be understood that the first light-blocking layer 72 is coupled to the second bandage 62 via any suitable adhesive, such as the first adhesive 66. For example, during manufacturing, the first adhesive 66 may be applied to the entire respective first surface of either the first light-blocking layer 72 or the second bandage 62, and then the first light-blocking layer 72 may be coupled to the second bandage 62 via the first adhesive 66.

[0052] As described herein, prior to patient use, a first adhesive 66 and a second adhesive 82 are coupled to a release liner 63. The release liner 63 includes a material (e.g., paper, plastic) capable of covering the first adhesive 66 and the second adhesive 82 to prevent them from adhering (e.g., sticking) to other surfaces. For example, the release liner 63 may include a backing paper that provides protection for the first adhesive 66 and the second adhesive 82 until the release liner 63 is peeled off (e.g., removed) to expose the first adhesive 66 and the second adhesive 82 for use. After the release liner 63 is peeled off, the sensor 14 can be applied to the patient.

[0053] Considering the foregoing, Figure 4 This is a bottom view of sensor 14 after assembly, according to one aspect of this disclosure. For ease of discussion, sensor 14 is described with reference to longitudinal axis or direction 50, transverse axis or direction 52 and / or vertical axis or direction 54. When sensor 14 is assembled and in a flat configuration, a first adhesive region and a second adhesive region are exposed along their respective first surfaces of sensor 14. For example, when Figure 3When the release liner 63 is adhered to the sensor 14 in a flat configuration, a first adhesive region having a first adhesive 66 and a second adhesive region having a second adhesive 82 contact and adhere to the release liner 63. Thus, when the release liner 63 is removed from the sensor 14, the first adhesive region having the first adhesive 66 and the second adhesive region having the second adhesive 82 are exposed to the environment at least when the sensor 14 is in a flat configuration and before application to the patient. Specifically, the first adhesive region includes the first adhesive 66 exposed on the exposed portion of the corresponding first surface of the backing 68 of the first bandage 60 (e.g., not overlapping with or covered by the second bandage 62; the second bandage 62 only covers a portion of the first bandage 60), and the second adhesive region includes the second adhesive 82 exposed along the corresponding first surface of the second bandage 62. In this manner and as shown, the first adhesive region having the first adhesive 66 at least partially surrounds and extends outward therefrom the second adhesive region having the second adhesive 82 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 50 and the transverse axis 52), which effectively provides or forms an outer adhesive region and an inner adhesive region. As shown in the figure, the second bandage 62 includes an opening aligned with the transmitter 22 and the detector 24.

[0054] As described herein, the first adhesive portion (e.g., backing 68) comprises a porous material including through-holes 78. The through-holes 78 reduce the contact surface area of ​​the first adhesive 66 when the backing 68 adheres itself by allowing spaces (e.g., holes) to remain around the contact point. To apply the sensor 14 to the patient, the second bandage 62 may adhere to a portion of the patient's finger (including the patient's fingernail) via the second adhesive 82 at the second adhesive portion. The first bandage 60 may then be wrapped around the patient's finger and attached to itself via the first adhesive 66 at the first adhesive portion. For example, the sensor 14 may be folded over the fingertip of the patient's finger, and the first flap (e.g., on the left side) and the second flap (e.g., on the right side) of the first bandage 60 may each be wrapped around the side of the finger and self-adhere via the first adhesive 66 at the first adhesive portion (e.g., the respective second surface of the first bandage 60 may adhere to the first adhesive 66 at the first adhesive portion on the respective first surface of the first bandage 60). The through-hole 78 can limit or reduce the surface area of ​​contact of the first adhesive portion, thereby improving adhesive retention when repositioning or reapplying sensor 14.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be understood that the second bandage 62 (e.g., a second light-blocking layer) is coupled to the first light-blocking layer to support the flexible circuit 64. As shown, the second bandage 62 is the same in size and shape as (e.g., or similar to) the first light-blocking layer.

[0056] like Figure 4As shown, the tear-resistant portion 74 includes a metallized strip disposed on opposite sides (e.g., right and left) of the first light-blocking layer and the second bandage 62. The tear-resistant portion 74 is disposed where the cable 16 extends from the sensor 14. It should be noted that although the tear-resistant portion 74 is described as being disposed where the cable 16 is coupled to the sensor 14, the tear-resistant portion 74 may be disposed in any suitable area where the first bandage 60 or the second bandage 62 has a high probability of tearing. For example, the tear-resistant portion 74 may be disposed at or near the marker 70. Furthermore, it should be noted that although the tear-resistant portion 74 is described as including a metallized strip, the tear-resistant portion 74 may include any suitable material providing reinforcement to the first bandage 60 or the second bandage 62.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of an embodiment of sensor 14 according to one aspect of this disclosure, which can be... Figure 1 The sensor is used in the medical monitoring system 10. For ease of discussion, the sensor 14 is described with reference to a longitudinal axis or direction 50, a transverse axis or direction 52, and / or a vertical axis or direction 54. The sensor 14 may include a first end portion 90 (e.g., the distal end portion furthest from the cable 16) extending along the longitudinal axis 50 and the transverse axis 52, the first end portion having a first width 92 (e.g., a maximum width) extending along the transverse axis 52. Furthermore, the sensor 14 may include a second end portion 94 (e.g., the proximal end portion closest to the cable 16) extending along the longitudinal axis 50 and the transverse axis 52, the second end portion having a second width 96 (e.g., a maximum width) extending along the transverse axis 52.

[0058] The first width 92 may be different from (for example, less than or greater than) the second width 96. For example, as Figure 5 As illustrated, the first width 92 is smaller than the second width 96. Therefore, the sensor 14 may have an asymmetrical configuration (e.g., shape, arrangement; around a midline 98 extending in the lateral direction 52). During application of the sensor 14 to a patient, the asymmetrical configuration may provide guidance to the patient and / or medical professionals on how to apply the sensor 14. That is, the patient and / or medical professionals may be guided or directed by the asymmetrical configuration to begin applying the sensor 14 by applying a first end portion 90 including the first width 92, based on the fact that the first width 92 is smaller than the second width 96. In other words, the first end portion 90 of the sensor 14 may be wrapped and / or adhered to at least a portion of the patient's finger via a first adhesive 66 and / or a second adhesive 82 at the first end portion 90 of the sensor 14.

[0059] The patient and / or medical professional can then apply a second end portion 94, including the second width 96, based on the fact that the second width 96 is greater than the first width 92. In practice, the first flap of the second end portion 94 (e.g., on the left lateral side) and the second flap of the second end portion 94 (e.g., on the right lateral side) can each be wrapped around the side of the finger and above the first end portion 90 (e.g., above the respective second surface of the first bandage 60). Therefore, the second end portion 94 of the sensor 14 can be wrapped and / or adhered to at least a portion of the patient's finger via the first adhesive 66 and / or the second adhesive 82 at the second end portion 94 of the sensor 14. Furthermore, the second end portion 94 of the sensor 14 can also be wrapped and / or adhered to at least a portion of the first end portion 90 via the first adhesive 66 (e.g., the respective first or bottom surface of the second end portion 94 can contact and adhere to the respective second or top surface of the first end portion 90 via the first adhesive 66 on the respective first surface of the second end portion 94). After the sensor 14 is applied to the patient, the first end portion 90 may be on the first side of the patient's finger (e.g., typically centered on the bottom side, on the palm side of the hand), and the second end portion 94 may be on the second side of the patient's finger (e.g., typically centered on the top side, on the back side of the hand).

[0060] Advantageously, in addition to guiding the application of sensor 14, the first end portion 90, including a first width 92 (e.g., a smaller width), can block contact between the first adhesive 66 at the corresponding first surface of the first end portion 90 and the first adhesive 66 at the corresponding first surface of the second end portion 94. Therefore, these features of sensor 14 can provide, for example, improved adhesion to the patient, comfortable fit for the patient, and / or facilitate repositioning of sensor 14.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the tear-resistant portion 74 may include a metallized strip disposed along (e.g., adjacent to) a first edge (e.g., a first edge portion; closest to cable 16) of the second end portion 92. In some embodiments, the tear-resistant portion 74 may include a width 100 of at least 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or more (e.g., along the transverse axis 52) such that the tear-resistant portion 74 provides sufficient support to prevent tearing of the first bandage 60 while also allowing the first bandage to provide breathability via a porous material, as described herein. As shown, the tear-resistant portion 74 may include a curved edge 102 to facilitate manufacturing and / or reduce peeling (e.g., separation) of the tear-resistant portion 74 from the backing 68. It should be noted that any suitable edge of the tear-resistant portion 74 may include any suitable shape. For example, at least a portion of the curved edge 102 (e.g., Figure 5The end or tip portion shown in region 103 (along the longitudinal axis 50 near the transmitter 22) may include a square shape (e.g., a straight, non-curved shape) or other curved shapes (e.g., having a shape other than a square shape). Figure 5 (the curvature outside the curved edge 102 shown) to increase or improve adhesion and / or reduce peeling (e.g., separation) of the tear-resistant portion 74 from the backing 68, especially during removal of the release liner 63 or the sensor 14 from the patient.

[0062] Furthermore, the first marker 70A and the second marker 70B may be disposed (e.g., overlapping; on the top side) on or near the tear-resistant portion 74, such as on the opposite lateral region of the tear-resistant portion 74 on the opposite lateral side of the second end portion 94 of the sensor 14. For example, the first marker 70A may be disposed on the first flap of the second end portion 94, and the second marker 70B may be disposed on the second flap of the second end portion 94. Figure 5 In the bottom view of sensor 14, the first marker 70A and the second marker 70B are not visible because they are positioned on the tear-resistant portion 74, but their positions are indicated by corresponding line indicators to the corresponding edges of the first marker 70A and the second marker 70B.

[0063] The first marker 70A enables the identification of the first flap of the second end portion 94, and the second marker 70B enables the identification of the second flap of the second end portion 94. Thus, the marker 70 enables the initiation of a process to pull back the first flap and the second flap of the second end portion 94 to remove the sensor 14. Furthermore, placing the marker 70 on or near the tear-resistant portion 74 reduces or limits the risk of tearing during sensor 14 removal (e.g., preventing tearing during sensor 14 removal). Additionally, it should be noted that the first adhesive region having the first adhesive 66 may include a porous material including through-holes 78 to allow for air permeability of the sensor 14. In fact, it should be understood that... Figure 5 The sensor 14 shown may include any features disclosed herein, such as transmitter 22 and detector 24.

[0064] Figure 6 This is an example illustration of a patient 104 wearing sensor 14 according to one aspect of this disclosure. In some embodiments, sensor 14 is oriented such that the midpoint of sensor 14 is aligned with the fingertip of a finger on the hand of patient 104. Sensor 14 is folded over the finger to position a first portion (e.g., having cable 16) along the tip of the finger and a second portion along the base of the finger (e.g., the palm side of the hand). Sensor 14 includes tear-resistant portions 74 disposed on each side of cable 16 to provide tear protection.

[0065] In the transmission configuration, detector 24 is positioned opposite emitter 22. Emitter 22 emits light, and detector 24 detects the light transmitted through the finger of patient 104. Detector 24 generates a signal indicating the oxygen saturation (SpO2) of patient 104. Figure 6 As illustrated, the first bandage 60 is wrapped around the finger of the patient 104 and adheres to itself, such as along the base of the finger of the patient 104 (e.g., on the palm side of the hand). The second bandage 62 is adhered directly to the skin and / or nails of the patient 104.

[0066] As described herein, in some embodiments, sensor 14 may include a first end portion 90 having a first width 92 and a second end portion 94 having a second width 96. Sensor 14 is folded over a finger to wrap the first end portion 90 around the finger. Furthermore, a first flap of the second end portion 94 and a second flap of the second end portion 94 are wrapped around the side of the finger and (e.g., at least partially surround) the first end portion 90. Thus, the first end portion 90 and the second end portion 94 may be positioned (e.g., arranged) on opposite sides of the finger.

[0067] Therefore, the embodiments described herein achieve the breathability of sensor 14 by combining backing 68 with a porous material, allowing gases and liquids to pass through. Furthermore, the backing 68 with porous material achieves adjustability and improves repositionability by reducing direct contact of the first adhesive portion during self-adhesion of backing 68, thereby maintaining adhesive cohesion and strength. The embodiments described herein also improve breathability by providing a first light-blocking layer 72 of limited size, which reduces the metal-covered area. Additionally, the tear portion 74 in areas with a relatively high tear probability provides additional tear protection for sensor 14, which may be particularly helpful given the porous material used for backing 68 and the limited-size first light-blocking layer 72 (e.g., which could increase the probability of tearing without the tear portion 74). Thus, the breathability, repositionability, and tear protection of sensor 14 improve comfort and enable accurate measurements even after sensor 14 has been repositioned. Therefore, the structural features disclosed herein, including multiple adhesive portions defined by any combination of a backing 68, a first light-blocking layer 72, a tear portion 74, a second light-blocking layer of a second bandage 62, and an adhesive, improve the comfort and effectiveness of the sensor 14. It should be understood that the features shown and described herein can be combined in any suitable manner, the features shown and described herein can be omitted, and other features can be added.

[0068] While this disclosure may have various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments provided herein are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, various embodiments may cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

[0069] The present invention can be further described with reference to the following embodiments:

[0070] Example 1: A sensor comprising: a light-emitting diode (LED); a detector for detecting light emitted by the LED; and a body supporting the LED and the detector, wherein the body comprises: a first bandage including a corresponding surface having an adhesive of a first type; and a second bandage coupled to a portion of the first bandage and including a corresponding surface having an adhesive of a second type.

[0071] Example 2: According to the sensor of Example 1, the first bandage includes a backing, and the backing includes: the corresponding surface having an adhesive of the first type; and a porous material having through holes extending to the adhesive of the first type.

[0072] Example 3: The sensor according to Example 2, wherein the porous material includes polyethylene, polypropylene or any combination thereof.

[0073] Example 4: The sensor according to any one of Examples 2 or 3, wherein the first bandage includes a first light-blocking layer coupled to the backing, the second bandage includes a second light-blocking layer, and the second bandage is coupled to the first bandage by adhering the second light-blocking layer to the first light-blocking layer.

[0074] Example 5: According to the sensor described in Example 4, wherein the first bandage includes a tear-resistant portion extending from the first light-blocking layer.

[0075] Example 6: According to the sensor described in Example 5, wherein the first light-blocking layer and the tear-resistant portion include a metallized strip.

[0076] Example 7: The sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the sensor is asymmetrical about the centerline extending in the transverse direction of the sensor.

[0077] Example 8: A sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the first bandage is configured to self-adhere via an adhesive of the first type, and the second bandage is configured to adhere to the patient to facilitate the application of the sensor to the patient.

[0078] Example 9: The sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, the sensor includes a flexible circuit having the LED and the detector, wherein at least a portion of the flexible circuit having the LED and the detector is positioned between the first bandage and the second bandage.

[0079] Example 10: According to the sensor of Example 9, wherein the first bandage includes a first light-blocking layer, and the second bandage includes a second light-blocking layer, and wherein at least a portion of the flexible circuit having the LED and the detector is positioned between the first light-blocking layer and the second light-blocking layer.

[0080] Example 11: The sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the second type of adhesive comprises a silicone adhesive.

[0081] Example 12: The sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the first bandage includes a marker disposed at the edge of the first bandage to facilitate the identification of the edge.

[0082] Example 13: A sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the first type of adhesive forms a first adhesive region on a first side of the sensor, and the second type of adhesive forms a second adhesive region on the first side of the sensor.

[0083] Example 14: The sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the first bandage includes a backing formed of a porous material, and the second bandage includes a metallized strip.

[0084] Example 15: A sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the sensor includes a blood oxygenation sensor.

[0085] Example 16: A sensor comprising: a light-emitting diode (LED); a detector for detecting light emitted by the LED; and a body supporting the LED and the detector, wherein the body comprises: a first bandage including a first region of a first adhesive; and a second bandage including a second region of a second adhesive.

[0086] Example 17: According to the sensor of Example 16, wherein the first bandage includes a backing formed of a porous material, and the second bandage includes a metallized strip.

[0087] Example 18: The sensor according to any one of Examples 16 or 17, wherein the second adhesive comprises a silicone adhesive.

[0088] Example 19: The sensor according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the first adhesive comprises an acrylic adhesive.

[0089] Example 20: The sensor according to any one of Examples 16 to 19, wherein the first bandage includes a tear-resistant portion, the tear-resistant portion including a metallized strip surrounding at least a portion of the outer periphery of the first bandage.

[0090] Example 21: The sensor according to any one of Examples 16 to 20, wherein the sensor is asymmetrical about a centerline extending in the transverse direction of the sensor.

[0091] Example 22: A system comprising: a sensor including a detector to generate sensor data indicating physiological parameters, wherein the sensor includes a body for supporting the detector, and wherein the body includes: a first bandage including a first area of ​​a first adhesive; a second bandage including a second area of ​​a second adhesive; and a monitor communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive and process the sensor data to determine the physiological parameters of the patient.

[0092] Example 23: The system according to Example 22, wherein the first adhesive comprises an acrylic adhesive and the second adhesive comprises a silicone adhesive.

Claims

1. A sensor (14), said sensor comprising: Light-emitting diode (LED) (22); Detector (24), the detector being used to detect light emitted by the LED (22); and Body (15), which supports the LED (22) and the detector (24), wherein the body (15) includes: A first bandage (60) includes a corresponding surface having an adhesive (66) of a first type; and A second bandage (62) is coupled to a portion of the first bandage (60) and includes a corresponding surface having a second type of adhesive (82).

2. The sensor (14) of claim 1, wherein the first bandage (60) includes a backing (68), and wherein the backing (68) comprises: The respective surfaces having the adhesive (66) of the first type; and A porous material having through-holes (78) extending through the first type of adhesive (66).

3. The sensor (14) according to claim 2, wherein the porous material comprises polyethylene, polypropylene or any combination thereof.

4. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first bandage (60) includes a first light-blocking layer (72) coupled to the backing (68), the second bandage (62) includes a second light-blocking layer, and the second bandage (62) is coupled to the first bandage (60) by adhering the second light-blocking layer to the first light-blocking layer (72).

5. The sensor (14) according to claim 4, wherein the first bandage (60) includes a tear-resistant portion (74) extending from the first light-blocking layer (72).

6. The sensor (14) according to claim 5, wherein the first light-blocking layer (72) and the tear-resistant portion (74) comprise metallized strips.

7. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor (14) is asymmetrical about a centerline extending in the lateral direction of the sensor (14).

8. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first bandage (60) is configured to adhere itself via an adhesive (66) of the first type, and the second bandage (62) is configured to adhere to the patient to facilitate the application of the sensor (14) to the patient.

9. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the sensor comprising a flexible circuit (64) having the LED (22) and the detector (24), wherein at least a portion of the flexible circuit (64) having the LED (22) and the detector (24) is positioned between the first bandage (60) and the second bandage (62).

10. The sensor (14) of claim 9, wherein the first bandage (60) includes a first light-blocking layer (72), and the second bandage (62) includes a second light-blocking layer, and wherein at least a portion of the flexible circuit (64) having the LED (22) and the detector (24) is positioned between the first light-blocking layer (72) and the second light-blocking layer.

11. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second type of adhesive (82) comprises a silicone adhesive.

12. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first bandage (60) includes a marker (70) disposed at the edge of the first bandage (60) to facilitate the identification of the edge.

13. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first type of adhesive (66) forms a first adhesive region on a first side (56) of the sensor (14), and the second type of adhesive (82) forms a second adhesive region on the first side (56) of the sensor (14).

14. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first bandage (60) comprises a backing (68) formed of a porous material, and the second bandage (62) comprises a metallized strip.

15. The sensor (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sensor (14) comprises a blood oxygenation sensor.

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