Patent ID: 7024235

Claim:
A probe to measure pulse-based differences in light absorbence by the vascularized tissue of the septum of the nose of a patient in need thereof, comprising: a. a housing from which emanates two extensions, each said extension sufficiently sized and spaced to enter one nares of the nose, each said extension comprising an inward angle of inflection between about 10 and about 27 degrees and each said extension sufficiently flexible to deflect from the wall of the septum; b. at least two light-generating components that emit light at at least two different wavelength bands, positioned on the inside face of one of the two extensions; c. at least one light-detecting component that detects light transmitted from said at least two light-generating components, positioned on the inside face of the other of the two extensions; and d. first individual conductors for energizing said at least two light-generating components, connecting said components to a monitoring system for light signal production and modulation, and second individual conductors connecting said at least one light-detecting component to said monitoring system to convey signals of light detected by said at least one light-detecting component, said first and said second individual conductors passing within said housing and thereafter through a cable for carrying said first and said second individual conductors to said monitoring system wherein data obtained from said probe is used to provide pulse oximetry results, other plethysmophotometric results, or both.