| abstract |
An apparatus (10) and method for measurement of oxygen saturation of venous blood for use with a central venous catheter (60) are described. The apparatus (10) includes a fiber optic bundle (12) having a distal end (14) and a proximal end (16). The fiber optic bundle (12) further includes afferent and efferent light-conducting fibers (18) for sending signals and receiving signals for generating oxygen saturation measurements. A sheath (28) is disposed about the fiber optic bundle (12) for encapsulating and protecting the fiber optic bundle (12) and exposing the distal end (14) of the fiber optic bundle (12). The apparatus (10) includes a locking device (30) for locking the fiber optic bundle (12) relative to a catheter (11) into which the fiber optic bundle (12) is inserted to fix the relative relationship between the fiber optic bundle (12) and the catheter (11) when disposed in situ during an oxygen saturation measurement procedure. |