Abstract:
In a photoplethysmography (PPG) device, a nasal mount includes first and second optical supports (12, 14) secured to a nose (1) with the nasal septum (6) or an alar wing (6') between the optical supports. A green PPG component measuring green light transmission through the nasal septum includes a light source (20, 60) secured to the first optical support and a light detector (22, 62) secured to the second optical support. A red or near-infrared PPG component measuring red or near-infrared light transmission through the nasal septum includes a light source (30, 60) secured to one optical support and a light detector (32, 64) secured to the other optical support. An electronic data processor computes arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) from a ratio of intensities of the measured transmission of green light and the measured transmission of red or near-infrared light.
Abstract:
When measuring SpO2 in a patient, a nasal oximeter is inserted into the patient's nose and comprises a source pad (14) and a detector pad (18) that are positioned at a predetermined location on either side of the nasal septum. The source pad and detector pad are biased toward each other to provide a clamping force on the nasal septum sufficient to permit SpO2 measurement without causing tissue necrosis. Clamping force is supplied by means of a spring type device, an expandable material, or the like.
Abstract:
An optical source (10, 54) for guiding light to a target of a patient includes at least one light source (12,56) configured to emit red light and infrared light. The at least one light source (12, 56) is embedded within a light-conducting sheet (18, 58). A photodistributor (16) is spaced from the at least one light source (12, 56). The photodistributor (16) includes a light- emitting surface (28) and at least one light-receiving surface (32) optically coupled to the light- conducting sheet (18, 58). The photodistributor (16) is configured to discharge at least a portion of the emitted red light and at least a portion of the emitted infrared light into a target.