Patient CO.sub.2 Measurement
US6055447A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/682
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for assessing impairment of blood circulation of a patient by measurement of PCO.sub.2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) in the upper digestive/respiratory tract of the patient. The method includes introducing a CO.sub.2 sensor into the mouth-nose area and against a mucosal surface. In one example, the sensor is placed under the tongue, in the manner of an oral thermometer, and sublingual (under the tongue) measurements of CO.sub.2 are taken. This allows for the triage of patients or victims in emergency of disaster settings. The measurement involves minimal invasion while avoiding false readings. For monitoring of more than about one or two minutes, holders are used to hold the CO.sub.2 sensor instrument stabily in the mouth or nose, and to isolate the mucosal area immediately around the CO.sub.2 sensor from air flow that could carry away CO.sub.2, while maintaining high humidity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.