Abstract:
An oximeter includes a probe 100 having LEDS 101, 102, for transmitting light of at least two different wavelengths and a photo-sensing diode 103 for transducing the light from the LEDS 101, 102 into signals. Means is provided for producing a plurality of signals comprising DC and AC component signals corresponding to the attenuation of the transmitted light at the different wavelengths. Data processing means is provided which is responsive to the signals for determining the oxygen saturation SaO 2 through the medium e.g. blood containing tissue through which the light is transmitted.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for cancerous tumor detection employing a plurality of microwave antennae supported in an array conforming substantially in size to the breast that is being screened. In one embodiment of the invention a single array is used and another embodiment for larger breasts a pair of arrays are used. A microwave radiometer is used for detecting temperature readings corresponding respectively to the breast temperature at sites underlying the receiving antennae. Also, in accordance with the invention compression is employed so as to reduce tissue thickness enabling far more rapid reading of antenna sites.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of determining the concentration of a selected drug in the body of a subject comprising the steps of holding a liquid collecting means comprising an absorbent substantially inert member 1 in a position in close proximity to an eye 4 of the patient for collecting tear fluid 7 therefrom; allowing the tear fluid collected to come into contact with reagent means 3 for reacting with said selected drug so as to produce, after a predetermined time interval, a physically detectable change dependent, at least semiquantitatively, upon the concentration of said drug; and determining the physical change in said reactive portion after a predetermined interval of time.
Abstract:
A calibrating device for an optical catheter is provided in order to calibrate the catheter for use in a catheter oximeter system. The calibrating device includes a tube having a reference block therein which is spring-loaded into compliant engagement with the distal end of the catheter carrying the fiberoptic light transmitting and receiving guides. A releasable strap tightly secures the catheter to the calibrating device. The packaged catheter is therefore ready for calibration by simply removing the proximal end thereof from a sealed package while the calibrating device and major length of the catheter remain in their sealed and sterilized condition and connecting it to a processor for performing the calibration operation.
Abstract:
A patient monitor (21) for monitoring body condition information such as blood PO 2 /oxygen tension comprises means (2) for converting an electrical analogue signal representing body condition information detected by a sensor (1) into digital measurement value data at a predetermined time, means for taking (4) summary data out of the measurement values and storing (6) the summary data and means (4) for editing summary data stored in accordance with an output instruction and outputting (9) the edited summary data. Thus, the invention is useful in examining information on the condition of a body and leads to savings in the amount of recording paper used, as well as facilitating its storage.
Abstract:
Apparatus for monitoring the pH value of a substance, such as oesophageal pH of a person. The apparatus comprises means for measuring pH values, which is positioned in use in the oesophagus, and for providing digital output signal representative thereof. A portable data logging apparatus adapted to be carried by the person being monitored includes a store for storing the digital values at predetermined intervals and means is provided for analysing the stored signals during a defined period to provide a pH characteristic of the substance being monitored over the period.
Abstract:
A probe apparatus for use with an optical oximeter and oximeter in which a pair of light emitting means preferably diodes (10, 20, 130, 132) emit light of narrow wavebands having known characteristic wavelengths through part of a patient onto a photosensor (30, 38). A coding means comprising resistor (40) of coded known resistance or else an eight bit connector (52') is used to enable the oximeter to calculate the co-efficient of extinction of the wavelengths of the LEDs. The resistor, LEDs and photosensor are mounted on self-attaching hook and eye tape (50) for mounting the probe onto the appendage of the patient. The probe is detachably wired to the oximeter, rendering the probe completely disposable. The oximeter is programmed at the factory to calculate the co-efficients of extinction of any LEDs which may be encountered in a series of disposable probes. From the co-efficients of extinction, the pulse rate and degree of arterial oxygen saturation is computed and displayed by the oximeter.
Abstract:
A sensor for use in detecting cardiopulmonary functions employs a skin-heating conductive surface for use in achieving vasodilitation for the measurement of PO 2 and PCO 2 . The same surface is employed as an electrode for a heartbeat and/or respiration rate measuring device.
Abstract:
The monitoring of capillary blood flow in a woman's cervical wall and vaginal wall is provided so that the capillary blood flow patterns therein may be compared in order to evaluate various physiological conditions of the woman. Systems and devices for carrying out these evaluations, as well as for observing such capillary blood flow patterns separately, are provided.