Application of NIR laser diodes to pulse oximetry

Abstract

A transmittance pulse oximeter based on near-infrared laser diodes for monitoring arterial blood hemoglobin oxygen saturation has been developed and tested. The measurement system consists of the optical sensor, sensor electronics, acquisition board and personal computer. The system has been tested in a two parts experimental study involving human volunteers. A calibration curve was derived and healthy volunteers were monitored under normal and apnoea conditions both with the proposed system and with a commercial pulse oximeter. The obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of using a sensor with laser diodes emitting at specific near infrared wavelengths for pulse oximetry.