Dressing for an Electromagnetic Spectrum Sensor
An epidermal dressing includes a barrier film and a fitting that cooperates with a sensor emitting and detecting near infrared signals for monitoring an intravascular infusion. The barrier film overlies an epidermal insertion site for a cannula administering the intravascular infusion. The fitting includes a first arrangement that retains the sensor and a second arrangement that releases the sensor from the first arrangement.
1 . A dressing for coupling a near-infrared sensor and an epidermis, the near-infrared sensor being configured to monitor an intravascular infusion, the dressing comprising:
a fitting including a wall at least partially defining a pocket, the fitting having (i) a first arrangement configured to retain the near-infrared sensor in the pocket and (ii) a second arrangement configured to release the near-infrared sensor from the first arrangement; and
a frame being coupled to the fitting and configured to overlay an area of the epidermis that is larger than that overlaid by the fitting.
2 . The dressing of claim 1 , comprising an adhesive configured to couple the frame and the epidermis.
3 . The dressing of claim 1 , comprising a film occluding the pocket.
4 . The dressing of claim 3 wherein the film is approximately transparent to near-infrared signals configured to be emitted and detected by the near-infrared sensor.
5 . The dressing of claim 3 wherein the film is configured to substantially prevent passage of solids, liquids, microorganisms, and viruses.
6 . The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting is relatively more resistant to deformation than the frame.
7 . The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting includes a flange projecting from the wall.
8 . The dressing of claim 7 , comprising an adhesive coupling the flange and the frame.
9 . The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting consists of a first generally homogeneous material, the frame consists of a second generally homogeneous material, and the first generally homogeneous material is different from the second generally homogeneous material.
10 . The dressing of claim 9 , comprising a film occluding the pocket.
11 . The dressing of claim 10 wherein the film consists of the second generally homogeneous material.
12 . The dressing of claim 1 wherein the frame partially encapsulates the fitting.
13 . The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting comprises an arm being coupled with the wall and extending away from the pocket.
14 . The dressing of claim 13 wherein the frame at least partially encapsulates the arm.
15 . The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting comprises a strain relief device configured to contiguously engage a lead of the near-infrared sensor in the first arrangement.
16 . The dressing of claim 15 wherein the strain relief device is at least partially exposed with respect to the frame.
17 . The dressing of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a notch configured to receive a hub of a cannula administering the intravascular infusion.