Medical Sensor And Technique For Using The Same

Patent Publication Number: US 20070073122 A1

Title: Medical sensor and technique for using the same

Filing Date: September 29, 2005

Priority Date: September 29, 2005

Inventor(s): Carine Hoarau

Original Assignee / Applicant(s): Carine Hoarau

Link to Patent: US20070073122A1

Summary:

This invention is a medical device capable of sensing and monitoring physiological characteristics of a patient based on whether and to what extent light emitted by the device is absorbed or reflected by the tissues of the patient. This device contains a light emitter, which transmits light into the patient’s tissue and a detector to detect light. This device utilizes Thermex temperature indicating paper, of Sensor Product Inc., as part of its tissue contacting surface in close contact with the patient’s tissue. The Thermex paper changes color in response to variations in temperature and reflects or absorbs light based on it. When blood flow to the tissue in contact with the device is more than normal, the temperature at that tissue increases. When the temperature exceeds a threshold value, the Thermex paper, in contact with the said tissue, changes to blue color and absorbs light emitted by the emitter. The opposite happens when the blood flow to the tissue is less than normal. In another embodiment, the device utilizes Pressurex®, of Sensor Product Inc., which increases in color intensity in response to increased pressure, as part of its tissue contacting surface.