Clip-style medical sensor and technique for using the same
View Patent ↗A clip-style pulse sensor may be adapted to apply limited, even pressure to a patient's tissue. A clip-style sensor is provided that reduces motion artifacts by exerting limited, uniform pressure to the patient tissue to reduce tissue exsanguination. Further, such a sensor provides a secure fit while avoiding discomfort for the wearer.
1. A sensor adapted to be applied to a patient's tissue comprising:
a sensor body having a first portion and a second portion biased towards one another by a spring force;
a resilient material disposed on the first portion of the sensor body; at least one sensing element disposed on a substrate, wherein the substrate is associated with an opposing surface of the resilient material such that the resilient material is between the substrate and the sensor body; and
a stopping element configured to contact the first portion and the second portion when the sensor is applied to the patient's tissue, wherein the stopping element is capable of establishing a minimum distance between the first portion and the second portion and wherein a portion of the spring force is configured to be absorbed by the resilient material when the sensor is applied to the patient's tissue such that the sensor body applies a pressure that is sufficient to overcome a venous pressure but not an arterial pressure of the patient.
2. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the stopping element comprises a rigid bar.
3. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the stopping element comprises a plug.
4. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the stopping element comprises a substantially inelastic strap.
5. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are coupled at an end of the sensor.
6. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the resilient material comprises a foam.
7. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the substrate is flexible.
8. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensing element comprises an emitter and a detector.
9. The sensor, as set forth in claim 8 , wherein the emitter comprises a light-emitting diode and the detector comprises a photodetector.
10. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a pulse oximetry sensor, a sensor for measuring a water fraction, or a combination thereof.
11. The sensor, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to operate in transmission mode.
12. A pulse oximetry system comprising:
a pulse oximetry monitor; and
a pulse oximetry sensor adapted to be operatively coupled to the monitor, the sensor comprising:
a sensor body having a first portion and a second portion biased towards one another by a spring force;
a resilient material disposed on the first portion of the sensor body; at least one sensing element disposed on a substrate, wherein the substrate is associated with an opposing surface of the resilient material such that the resilient material is between the substrate and the sensor body; and
a stopping element configured to contact the first portion and the second portion when the sensor is applied to a patient's tissue, wherein the stopping element is capable of establishing a minimum distance between the first portion and the second portion and wherein a portion of the spring force is configured to be absorbed by the resilient material when the sensor is applied to the patient's tissue such that the sensor body applies a pressure that is sufficient to overcome a venous pressure but not an arterial pressure of the patient.
13. The pulse oximetry system, as set forth in claim 12 , wherein the sensing element comprises an emitter and wherein a detector is disposed on the second portion.
14. The pulse oximetry system, as set forth in claim 13 , wherein detector is disposed on the second portion such that the emitter and the detector are not opposite each other.
15. A sensor adapted to be applied to a patient's tissue comprising:
a sensor body having a first portion and a second portion biased towards one another by a spring force;
a stopping element configured to contact the first portion and the second portion when the sensor is applied to the patient's tissue, wherein the stopping element is capable of establishing a minimum distance between the first portion and the second portion that results in the sensor body applying a pressure to the patient's tissue that is sufficient to overcome a venous pressure but not an arterial pressure of the patient; and
at least one sensing element associated with the first portion of the sensor body.
16. The sensor, as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the sensor is configured to be applied to an ear.
17. The sensor, as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the sensor is configured to be applied to a finger.
18. The sensor, as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the stopping element comprises a rigid bar or a plug.
19. The sensor, as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the sensor is a pulse oximetry sensor.
20. The sensor, as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the sensor is configured to operate in transmission mode.