Patent ID: 6654622
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for a combined measurement of arterial oxygen saturation and transcutaneous CO2 partial pressure on an ear lobe, comprising a sensor which has means for pulse oximetric measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation; means for measurement of the transcutaneous CO2 partial pressure; and means for warming a sensor contact surface intended for contact with the ear lobe; said device further comprising means for attaching said device to an ear lobe such that said device is in contact with the ear lobe with a minimal pressure on the ear lobe for minimizing interference with the pulse oximetric measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation and the transcutaneous CO2 partial pressure, said sensor being rotatably attached to said means for attaching said device to an ear lobe, said means for pulse oximetric measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation including at least two LEDs and one photodiode which are arranged so that when the device is attached to an ear lobe they are located on the same side of the ear lobe, and which are arranged in depressions forming light channels and point towards the sensor contact surface.