Clip-style medical sensor and technique for using the same

Abstract

A clip-style pulse sensor may be adapted to apply limited, even pressure to a patient's tissue. A clip-style sensor is provided that reduces motion artifacts by exerting limited, uniform pressure to the patient tissue to reduce tissue exsanguination. Further, such a sensor provides a secure fit while avoiding discomfort for the wearer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sensor adapted to be applied to a patient's tissue comprising:
 a sensor body having a first portion and a second portion biased towards one another;   a first substrate disposed on the first portion;   a second substrate disposed on the second portion, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are each configured to tilt relative to the sensor body; and   at least one sensing element disposed on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are adapted to pivot on respective pins. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first substrate is connected to the first portion by a hinge. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is adapted to apply a spring force to the patient's tissue adapted to overcome a blood pressure of about 35 mm Hg or less. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a resilient material disposed on at least one of the first portion or the second portion. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the resilient material is disposed on one or both of the first substrate or the second substrate. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the resilient material comprises a foam. 
     
     
         8 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising an adhesive material disposed on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate. 
     
     
         9 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sensing element comprises an emitter and a detector. 
     
     
         10 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the emitter comprises a light-emitting diode and the detector comprises a photodetector. 
     
     
         11 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the emitter is disposed on the first portion and the detector is disposed on the second portion such that the emitter and the detector are not opposite each other. 
     
     
         12 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a pulse oximetry sensor, a sensor for measuring a water fraction, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising at least one integrated circuit device. 
     
     
         14 . The sensor, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising a cable comprising one or more integrated circuits. 
     
     
         15 . A pulse oximetry system comprising:
 a pulse oximetry monitor; and   a pulse oximetry sensor adapted to be operatively coupled to the monitor, the sensor comprising:   a sensor body having a first portion and a second portion biased towards one another;   a first substrate disposed on the first portion;   a second substrate disposed on the second portion, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are each configured to tilt relative to the sensor body; and   at least one sensing element disposed on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate.   
     
     
         16 . The pulse oximetry system, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the sensing element comprises an emitter and wherein a detector is disposed on the second portion. 
     
     
         17 . The pulse oximetry system, as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein detector is disposed on the second portion such that the emitter and the detector are not opposite each other. 
     
     
         18 . The pulse oximetry system, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the sensor is configured to be applied to an ear. 
     
     
         19 . The pulse oximetry system, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the sensor is configured to be applied to a finger. 
     
     
         20 . The pulse oximetry system, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the sensor comprises a spring that biases the first portion and the second portion towards one another.