| abstract |
An apparatus for transferring two frequencies of electromagnetic energy to and from a portion of a living body for the purpose of blood oxygen saturation measurements. The two frequencies of electromagnetic energy are transferred to the portion of the living body through a single optical fiber cable (which could be a bundle) to a coupler and then through a short section of optical cable to an optical element adjacent to the portion of the living body. After the two frequencies of electromagnetic energy are transmitted through the portion of the living body they are received by another optical element and transported away from the portion of the living body to a coupler through a short section of optical cable where they may be converted to electrical signals. Alternatively, the two frequencies of electromagnetic energy are carried away from the coupler. The signals from the coupler (whether they are electromagnetic signals or electrical signals) are directed to a measurement instrument, which through an adapter may be a conventional measurement instrument known in the prior art or a measurement instrument specifically designed for use with the signals produced at the coupler. The two short sections of optical cable and the two optical elements adjacent to the portion of the living body and the coupler are combined to form a disposable probe. Alternatively, the disposable probe can include a transducer to convert the transmitted optical energy to electrical signals. |