Printed All-Organic Reflectance Oximeter Array

Patent Status

Brief Description

A flexible reflectance oximeter array (ROA) composed of printed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photodiodes (OPDs), which senses reflected light from tissue to determine the oxygen saturation. Since reflected light is used as the signal, the sensor array can be used beyond the conventional sensing locations. We implemented the ROA to measure SpO2 on the forehead with 1.1% mean error and to create two-dimensional (2D) oxygenation maps of the adult forearm under pressure cuff-induced ischemia. Due to the mechanical flexibility, 2D oxygenation mapping capability, and the ability to place the sensor in diverse places, the ROA is promising for novel medical sensing applications such as mapping oxygenation in tissues, wounds, or transplanted organs.

Suggested uses

The ROA can be used for:

• continuous oxygenation monitoring for fitness applications
• medical diagnostic purposes, such as oxygenation monitoring of patients suffering from pulmonary diseases (e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Interstitial Lung Disease)
• monitor patients suffering from sleep disorders or undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation

 The 2D oxygenation mapping is also promising for novel medical sensing applications such as mapping oxygenation in tissues, wounds, or transplanted organs. One example is monitoring the stage of Scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease.

Advantages

Since reflected light is used as the signal, the sensor array can be used beyond the conventional sensing locations. In comparison, the optical method for determining oxygen saturation SpO2 in blood, called transmission-mode pulse oximetry, is limited only to tissues that can be transilluminated, such as the earlobes and the fingers. 

Related Materials