Patent · US Expired

Pulse oximeter sensor combined with a combination oropharyngeal airway and bite block

US6256524A · kind A · utility

128Cited by
55References
37Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 3, 1999
Grant dateJul 3, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 3, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2230/205
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A combined oropharyngeal airway/bite block is disclosed having pulse oximeter sensor elements capable of monitoring the posterior pharynx, the soft palate, the hard palate, and the buccal surface. The oropharyngeal airway portion has a thickened wall to house the pulse oximeter sensor elements and provide sufficient material to form grooves in the distal end. The grooves are utilized when the invention is turned on its side to act as a bite block with the grooves engaging the teeth of the patient. The pulse oximeter sensor elements include a light source, which emits light at wavelengths of about 660 nm and about 940 nm, and a light detector. The pulse oximeter sensor elements are in communication with a spectrophotometer for analysis.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.