Resposable Oxymeter Sensor Aims to Cut Costs, Waste

Masimo's Rainbow Resposable Sensor System has been approved by the FDA. The sensor, designed to be used with company's Masimo Rainbow® SET Pulse CO-Oximetry system that can "noninvasively measure blood constituents and fluid responsiveness that previously required invasive procedures," can either be washed for multiple patient use, or be thrown out once it has seen its days.

The new sensor system provides continuous and noninvasive measurements of hemoglobin (SpHb™), oxygen content (SpOC™), PVI™ for fluid responsiveness, and methemoglobin (SpMet®), in addition to oxygen saturation (SpO2), perfusion index, and pulse rate—at savings of about 50% compared to the existing single patient use adhesive Rainbow sensor.
The Rainbow Resposable Sensor System combines the best features of Masimo LNOP®, LNCS®, and Rainbow® sensors into an innovative two-piece design that includes a reusable sensor—enabling the portion that connects to the patient cable to be used on multiple patients - while the adhesive disposable sensor that attaches directly to the patient's finger is used on only one patient. This dramatically minimizes waste, enabling hospitals to reduce their costs safely, and effectively fulfill their 'green' initiatives.

The reusable portion of the two-piece system provides multi-patient use for cost-effectiveness, while the flexible cable design maximizes patient comfort, and enables easy, one-step cleaning. The snap-in-place connector design allows easy connection and reconnection to the same patient—and reuse on the next patient. The single-use disposable portion of system features an adhesive that keeps emitter and detector positions stable against the skin to assure the best in Masimo SET and Rainbow SET measurement performance. The design maximizes fit and comfort for the patient, while the protective covering minimizes contact with patient to reduce cross contamination risk.

Press release: Masimo Receives FDA Clearance for New Rainbow® Resposable™ Sensor System...

Covidien launches alarm management system for Nellcor pulse oximeter

17 June 2009

Covidien has announced the global launch of its Alarm Management System for the Nellcor OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter. The OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter is a full-featured, flagship oximeter that delivers accurate, reliable readings even during low perfusion and signal interference.

Oxygen saturation is a critical measure in patients experiencing respiratory depression. The Alarm Management System alerts hospital staff to periods of desaturation and potentially worrisome patterns and provides healthcare providers the ability to make timely, more-informed decisions about the care of patients.

"Cyclical impairment of airflow is a common denominator in a wide variety of patient conditions that can lead to mortality and severe morbidity, but it often goes unrecognized," said Frank Overdyk, MSEE, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology at the Medical University of South Carolina. "Covidien's Alarm Management System quickly detects potentially harmful patterns and adds another level of patient safety by helping clinicians manage ventilation issues before they become adverse respiratory events."

The Alarm Management System enhances the information provided by traditional pulse oximeters and supports efficient, comprehensive care of patients who are at risk for upper airway abnormalities such as sleep apnea, a history of snoring and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Such patients include those who have a high body mass index, are in a reduced state of consciousness due to pain medication and exhaustion, and have undergone major surgery or are elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, individuals 65 years of age and older account for the largest population of patients entering US hospitals.

"The Alarm Management System will help hospitals remain efficient in today's increasingly demanding health care environment while providing the highest quality of care possible," said Chris Lowery, General Manager and Vice President, Patient Monitoring, Covidien. "At the core of Covidien's innovation is our goal to continue providing solutions designed to improve patient safety, medical efficacy and healthcare efficiency."