Patent ID: 6039697
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for monitoring the composition of a main respiratory gas stream of a patient, said apparatus comprising:a broad band infrared source capable of producing infrared light having a spectral content distributed at least across a wavelength range from about 4 microns to about 8 microns;means for detecting infrared signals at a plurality of wavelengths within said wavelength range; andmeans for transmitting light between said broad band infrared source and said means for detecting, said light being transmitted at least partially through a respiratory gas conduit outside the patient such that said main respiratory gas stream at said patient can be analyzed free from the need to divert a side stream therefrom for purposes of composition analysis, the main respiratory gas the conduit being adapted for flow of the main respiratory gas stream therethrough, said means for transmitting including fiber optics for transmitting infrared light within said wavelength range.