Abstract: A probe useful for invasively monitoring the oxygen saturation level of blood in the tissue walls of an anatomical canal generally includes a chassis with an electrical connector extending from the proximal end of the chassis and terminating at a plug configured for connection to a pulse oximeter box. The probe further includes an optics assembly configured to generate and transmit electrical signals that are indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of blood in the wall tissue. The probe further includes a deployment device attached to the chassis for biasing the optics assembly into the tissue wall of the anatomical canal.

Abstract: A probe useful for invasively monitoring the oxygen saturation level of blood in the tissue walls of an anatomical cavity generally comprises a chassis with an electrical connector extending from the proximal end of the chassis and terminating at a plug configured for connection to a pulse oximeter box. The probe further includes an optics assembly configured to generate and transmit electrical signals that are indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of blood in the wall tissue. The probe further includes a deployment device attached to the chassis for biasing the optics assembly into the tissue wall of the anatomical canal and stabilizing the probe within the canal. Further, the oximetry sensing assembly may be configured as part of an esophageal stethoscope having other sensing devices, for example, a temperature sensor, a pacing assembly, and an acoustic monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining spectral absorption by a specific substance in a fluid having an energy source, a sensor an interface device, a support structure and a connector. The energy source directs energy having a predetermined wavelength into the fluid. The sensor produces an electrical output reflecting the energy it senses and indicative of the spectral absorption of the energy by the specific substance. The interface means generates a reference voltage to allow the apparatus to cooperate with prior art devices. A support means secures the other elements in proximity to the fluid. The connector communicates electrical signals to a remote display device.

Abstract: A reflectance oximeter probe is suitably disposed at a distal end of an elongated, substantially flat, semi-rigid chassis configured for insertion into an anatomical canal, for example in the esophagus, rectum or vaginal cavity of a human patient. The reflectance probe may also be suitably employed in many veterinary applications. An electrical connector extends from a proximal end of the chassis and terminates at a plug configured for mechanical and electrical connection to a pulse oximeter box. The reflectance probe includes first and second LED's mounted to an emitter assembly and a detector assembly spaced apart from and mounted substantially coplanar with respect to the emitter assembly. The reflectance probe generates and transmits signals to the oximeter box, the signals indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of the blood perfused mucus membrane tissue.

Abstract: An improved noninvasive, electrooptical sensor probe is suitable for removable attachment to the skin of a patient to measure light extinction during transillumination of the blood-perfused tissue beneath the skin. According to the preferred embodiment of the probe, the probe has a unitary chassis having two widened ends connected by a flexible bridge. The topside of each widened end has a concave finger location saddle. The underside of the chassis has a cavity to receive an electrical sensor assembly including a light source and a photosensor. The probe further includes a foam backing having a front end connected to a back end by a neck, and two wings which extend laterally from opposing sides of the back end. The foam backing has an adhesive topside, which is bonded to the underside of the chassis to capture the electrical sensor assembly in the cavity of the chassis. Removable release tabs cover the adhesive topside of the wings prior to the application of the probe to a patient.

Abstract: An improved noninvasive, electrooptical sensor probe is suitable for removable adhesive attachment to the skin of a patient to measure light extinction during transillumination of the blood-perfused tissue beneath the skin. The probe has a flexible generally U-shaped, web-like support structure having spaced, opposed upper and lower inner surfaces. A light source such as an LED is mounted in the support structure and positioned to emit light from one of the inner surfaces. A photosensor is also mounted in the support structure and positioned on the other of the inner surfaces to detect light emitted by the light source. A U-shaped alignment member is disposed in the support structure and extends substantially from the light source to the photosensor to hold the probe into the desired shape for use and aid in aligning the LED and photosensor.