Nasopharyngeal airway with reflectance pulse oximeter sensor

US6266547A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• Steven C. Walker · Baldwin, US
• John M. Shepherd · San Antonio, US
• John Alexander · Sheffield, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 3, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 24, 2001
• Expiry date: Sep 3, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2562/247
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A combined nasopharyngeal airway and pulse oximeter sensor capable of monitoring the posterior pharynx, posterior soft palate or nasal mucosa is disclosed. The nasopharyngeal airway includes a thickened wall section over approximately one-third of its circumference. Pulse oximeter sensor elements may be embedded in the airway. The pulse oximeter sensor elements may include a light source, which preferably emits light at wavelengths around 660 nm (red) and around 940 nm (near infrared), and a light detector. The pulse oximeter sensor elements may be connected to a pulse oximeter monitor (spectrophotometer) or other external device for analysis.