Patent ID: 7706853

Claim:
A near infrared spectroscopy system for monitoring an oxygenation-related parameter beneath a body surface of a patient, comprising: a reusable probe portion comprising a ferrule member mounted to a hybrid cable for conveying near infrared light from a remote source, said reusable probe portion further comprising a pair of photodetectors, said ferrule member having a termination spaced from said pair of photodetectors; and a disposable coupler portion comprising a flexible housing with a receiving slot into which said reusable probe portion is releasably inserted, wherein said disposable coupler portion further comprises a light channel member adapted to be selectively coupled to said termination of said ferrule member for directing said near infrared light toward said body surface, wherein said flexible housing further comprises an adhesive layer for temporarily attaching said disposable coupler portion to said body surface, and wherein said flexible housing includes a window disposed in alignment with said pair of infrared detectors for admitting reflected near infrared light from said patient when said disposable coupler portion is releasably connected with said reusable probe portion, whereby only said disposable coupler portion is configured to adhere to said body surface.