Patent ID: 7785262
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring respiration in a patient, said method comprising: securing a pulse oximeter probe to a central source site of said patient wherein said probe is configured to generate a plethysmography signal stream from said central source site; processing, using a computer, said signal stream received from said probe to obtain a separate arterial component signal and venous impedance component signal, wherein processing said signal stream comprises identifying peaks and troughs of said signal stream; identifying, using a computer, midpoints or minimum values between said peaks and troughs, wherein the interpolated line connecting said midpoints or minimum values represents said venous impedance component; extracting, using a computer, said venous impedance component from said signal stream thereby obtaining said separate arterial component signal and separate venous impedance component signal; and evaluating said arterial component signal, or venous impedance component signal, or both, to determine respiratory rate, occurrence of an inspiratory event, expiratory event, air restriction or air obstruction, or a combination thereof, wherein said central source site is a nasal septum, a nasal alar, a pre auricular region, a post auricular region, cheek, or ear canal of said patient.