[New use of pulse-oximeter as a prophylactic Stimulator to the wearer and a lifesaving tools for prevention of hypoxic mishaps].
Pulse-oximeter has been widely used for the clinical assessment of physical status of a patient and as an alarming tool of hypoxia to medical personnel at the bedside or in the observation center. However, it has never been used for direct stimulation of the wearer. We considered innovation of pulse-oximeter as a prophylactic alarm-oximeter for the wearer. If SPO2 goes down to unfavorable level, the alarm-oximeter starts to send signal through a control box to a stimulator, such as an electrical nerve stimulator, a cold thermal tip, or mechanical device like a vibrator or compressor. The dermal stimulator is usually fixed to the right or left wrist with a Velcro band. The control box is affixed to the wristband by using Velcro. The alarm may be sent to an earphone or speaker with a verbal command like "take a deep breath". Alarm-oximeter will be combined to an oxygen inhaler or mechanical ventilatory assist device, or a drug administration system through electric line or wireless transmitter to start or change its function before the arrival of medical personnel. It will prevent hypoxic mishaps during medical intervention or sleep apnea syndrome. It will be also applicable to stop snoring.
Tohru
T
Morioka
Hidenori
H
Terasaki
D001785:Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000150:complications