Regional oximetry pod
Inventors
Al-Ali, Ammar • Forrest, Kevin • Dalke, David • Weber, Walter M.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12357203-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Expiration Date
2034-10-06
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Abstract
A regional oximetry pod drives optical emitters on regional oximetry sensors and receives the corresponding detector signals in response. The sensor pod has a dual sensor connector configured to physically attach and electrically connect one or two regional oximetry sensors. The pod housing has a first housing end and a second housing end. The dual sensor connector is disposed proximate the first housing end. The housing at least partially encloses the dual sensor connector. A monitor connector is disposed proximate a second housing end. An analog board is disposed within the pod housing and is in communications with the dual sensor connector. A digital board is disposed within the pod housing in communications with the monitor connector.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a regional oximetry pod that drives optical emitters on regional oximetry sensors and receives detector signals in response, enabling continuous assessment of tissue oxygenation beneath the sensors. The pod can connect one or two regional oximetry sensors via a dual sensor connector, which is partly enclosed by a pod housing with distinct first and second housing ends. The pod contains analog and digital boards for processing the optical signals and communicating regional oximetry parameters to conventional patient monitors using standard interfaces such as USB.
The problem addressed involves improving regional oximetry monitoring, which complements pulse oximetry by detecting regional hypoxemia that pulse oximetry alone might miss. Existing pulse oximetry is limited by assumptions that only arterial blood flows pulsatilely and suffers from errors during patient motion or interference. The disclosed pod advances the technology by integrating sensor connections, signal processing, and communication capabilities within a compact housing that supports one or two sensors and interfaces with various monitoring devices.
The invention further provides embodiments with internal or external dual sensor connectors, analog boards equipped with emitter drivers and detector amplifiers to interface with sensor emitters and detectors, and a digital board hosting a digital signal processor (DSP) to derive regional oximetry parameters. Sensor connectors extend either from within the housing or via cables, and the pod’s analog and digital boards communicate through board connectors. This integration enables regional oximetry parameters to be calculated in the pod and transmitted via standardized ports for display on various patient monitors.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim which includes inventive features related to a regional oximetry sensor system incorporating paired sensors and a pod for processing signals to determine oxygen saturation.
Paired regional oximetry sensors with flex circuits and optical components
Each sensor includes a flex circuit electrically connected to at least one emitter configured to emit light into the user's skin and at least one detector comprising a near-field detector and a far-field detector spaced apart and also connected to the flex circuit. The sensors are adhered to the skin via a tape layer and are arranged for placement on right and left sides of a user's forehead.
Pod housing with dual sensor connectors and integrated processor
A pod housing having an interior with first and second housing ends, with first and second sensor connectors extending outward from the first housing end, each configured to connect to one of the paired sensors. Within the interior, a processor is arranged to determine oxygen saturation based on signals received from the sensors.
Optical lenses mechanically connected to emitters and detectors
Lenses are mechanically connected to the emitters and detectors, extending from the tape layer to press against the skin to maximize optical transmission and reception of light.
Sensor temperature sensors
Each sensor may include emitter and detector temperature sensors configured to determine temperatures during operation.
Pod cable for connection to patient monitoring device
The pod includes a cable extending from the second housing end configured to connect to a patient monitoring device.
Internal analog and digital boards within pod housing
An analog board within the pod housing is configured to receive and digitize the signals from the sensors, and a digital board comprising the processor is also arranged within the housing.
The claims cover a regional oximetry system with paired forehead sensors mechanically and electrically integrated with a pod housing that contains both analog and digital processing boards and dedicated connectors, enabling on-pod signal processing and communication of oxygen saturation parameters to external monitors.
Stated Advantages
Enables continuous assessment of tissue oxygenation beneath regional oximetry sensors, helping detect regional hypoxemia that pulse oximetry alone can miss.
Integrates sensor driving, signal acquisition, processing, and communication into a compact pod, allowing connection of up to two sensors and streamlined interfacing with conventional patient monitors via standard USB ports.
Provides flexibility with internal or external sensor connectors, reducing manufacturing complexity and increasing reliability.
Allows regional oximetry parameters to be derived within the pod itself, permitting use of a wide range of patient monitors from simple displays to multi-parameter systems.
Documented Applications
Continuous regional oximetry monitoring on various body sites including forehead, forearms, chest, upper thigh, upper calf, or calf.
Application in surgical wards, intensive care units, neonatal units, general wards, home care, physical training, and various medical monitoring scenarios.
Integration with conventional patient monitors for displaying physiological parameters indicative of health and wellness.
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