FR2539613A1 - METABOLISM CONTROL APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

A MOUNTING STRUCTURE 20 ATTENDS TO A SELECTED PART OF THE HUMAN BODY, FOR EXAMPLE THE HEAD, AND INCORPORATES A LIGHT SOURCE AND A LIGHT DETECTION MEANS 50, 60 DESTINED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH A SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC CIRCUIT FOR IN-SITE CONTROL LOCAL METABOLISM, OR OTHER SELECTED BODY ACTIVITY IN THE AREA OF THE BODY WHERE THE STRUCTURE IS FIXED.

Description

25396 1 3

  1. The present invention relates to an apparatus for

  spectrophdtometry for in vivo character control

  selected human body and more specialized

  Lement, a device, associated with a monitoring device

  screen, for mounting and obtaining an anti-light screen for light source and light detector on

  the body, especially on the head of a patient.

  In the United States patents of the prior art No. 4,223,680, No. 4,281,645 and No. 40,321,390,

  a method and a device for spectrophotometry are described.

  sorts for the purpose of a non-invasive, continuous control,

  atraumatic, in vivo, in situ metabolism in an or-

  body gane In the applications described in these patents, measurement and reference wavelengths in the near infrared region, that is to say from 700 to 1300 nm, are used for non-invaded control.

  health, continuous, atraumatic, in vivo, in situ metabo-

  oxidation lism by controlling the oxygen supply in an internal organ, for example the brain, of a human being or an animal One takes advantage of the characteristic

  critical of the cytochrome enzyme cell a, a 3 (equal to

  ment called cytochrome c oxidase and identified by EC 1 9.3 ol) inside the optical path and inside

  laughing at the irradiated part of the organ chosen to absorb

2 2539613

  ber the selected measurement wavelength and for the light of this measurement wavelength, as well as at least one reference wavelength within the same defined region of infrared and at a low value, non-hazardous intensity level that can be detected at the end of a relatively long trans-illumination path or reflectance path, for example a few centimeters in length, which may include a significant proportion of the bones as well of soft tissue and skin, Variations in metabolic and circulatory parameters during the measurement are detected, and the choice of wavelengths, circuit and method also provides techniques for compensating for variations in blood volume in the monitored organ , continuous control of hemoglobin oxygenation and volume

  blood, intermittent blood flow control,

  thinking about the effects of blood flow in the skin and variations in the light source, that is to say the output of the laser diode,

  The prior art is the subject of a disccusion ap-

  deepened in the patents cited above and in the context of these prior art and art patents

  they cite, the object of the present invention is

  main jet a structure of light source and

  tection of light at the point of attachment to the body, and a means making it possible to mount the structure of the light detector light source on the body.

  The main object of the present invention is to improve

  of the light detector light source structure represented in the patents of the prior art

  as well as in the prior art considered to be relevant.

  There is another useful context concerning the structures.

  light source and light detector res in US Pat. Nos. 3,527,932; N O

  3,674,008, N O 3,638,64 Q; no 3,704,703 and no 4,077,399.

  In view of the above, the further development and testing of a device and

  of a spectrophotometric method for measuring the meta-

  2539613 l 3, local bolisme described in the patents cited above

  have revealed the need for a perfect means-

  born to fix and protect light sources as well as light detectors when they are linked to the body and, more particularly, to improve the mounting arrangement of the light source and light detector assembly described in the United States patent d United States of America

  no 4 321 930, In addition, the need arose for a new

  new simplification of the "light source" structure

  light detector "which is fixed to the body and the associated mounting structure so that it is made more economical in disposable form and where it is necessary for single-use applications, for example in a surgical operation ;

  in an emergency intervention after accident, and analogous

  ford. There was also a need for a

  improved form of assembly in medical procedures

  wedges and surgical, where the patient is lying on his stomach and the head must be tilted backwards, i.e.

  to conduct an examination or to introduce

  instruments or instruments in the patient's throat.

  Obtaining these various improvements thus becomes the general object of the present invention, and other objects will appear as the

description.

  The object of the present invention is to provide improvements to a means making it possible to orient relative to the body to make the body bear with attachment to it, and to protect against ambient light at the location of attachment. light sources

  and light detectors associated with a spectro-

  photometric located at a certain distance and used for the measurement of local metabolism in vivo, so

  non-invasive, and atraum atic in accordance with the

  relevant and prior art patent information

previously,

  The device of the present invention is

4. 2 r; 539613

  attached to the body, for example to the head, a limb, or the torso

  and works with the device and according to the techniques

  of the patents of the prior art, decisive information

  sive is provided on the oxygen sufficiency parameter in the tissue or organ in question, in vivo The device of the present invention, when it operates in conjunction with the apparatus and techniques of the patents of the prior art, also allows to control the state

  oxygenation of the supplied blood, blood volume and

  blood bit in the part of the body that is under surveillance

  this, and in a way that is non-invasive and atrauma-

  Unlike the means for generating near-infrared light sources, synchronization circuits, detection and processing of patents of the prior art, the present invention has for

  main object of the improvements made to the ingredients

  light emission and light detection

  mounted on the body, and advanced means for my-

  removably ter, protect from light and orient the source and detector components

  light on the body and this in a fagqon-allowing to evi-

  ter excessive local pressure and the production of

wrong general.

  The device of the present invention, mounted on the body, is used in association with the sources of near infrared radiation, the synchronization, detection and processing circuit, as well

  than with measurement techniques, which describe the short-

  vets of the prior art, So, referring to the subject

  patents of the prior art, it will be understood that the dis-

  positive of the present invention facilitates the execution of a continuous, non-invasive, in vivo, in situ, control of the redox state of cytochrome a, a 3 in the part of the body of interest by using the technique

  reflectance or deep, diffuse illumination

  se, multiple scattered light and near infrared radiation in the range of about 700-1300 nm, 2 e '96 1 3 i 5.

  fully described in the patents of the prior art.

  When the device of the present invention is applied

  that at the head, for example, the components constituting the light source and the light detector are placed at a certain distance from each other on the same side of the head, and the light reflected and returned by being dispersed towards the location of the light source is

  detected and used in the associated processing circuit

  cie of patents of the prior art as correction of

  variations in the blood volume of the skin, The present in-

  vention is particularly advantageous to minimize

  the loss of light and the establishment of condi-

  pressure localizations and thus avoid false signals The device of the present invention reinforces

  still the ability to discriminate between the lu-

  matter dispersed by gray matter and reflected light

  shit out of the brain’s white matter so that it

  ning a signal which we know indicates sufficient

  oxygen in the brain’s gray matter.

  In more specific connection with the structure

  used in the device of this invention

  tion, mounted on the body, comprising the source and the detector

  light emitter, two embodiments are envisaged.

  In a first embodiment, provision is made for a

  line intended to surround a selected part of the body, for example the head, a limb or the thorax, the ends of the strap being detachably fixed and the strap serving to support and orient the components constituting the light source, the light detector light, the anti-light screen, the optical fibers and the cable of the present invention. The strap comprises, between its ends, a block or section of elastic material which is intended to conform to the shape of the body the place of attachment A such material also serves as a means for

  enclose a pair of optical modules, the ends of which

  tees serve as elements constituting the light source and the light detector These ends are provided

  to be removably connected by cables

2 35 613

6.

  crying with quick disconnection to a cable used for trans-

  light or light-related signals between the device of the present invention mounted on the body

  and an external device comprising the light sources

  re, the synchronization, detection and processing circuit in which the photometric spectral measurements are actually carried out in accordance with the techniques of prior art patents Relative to the light source-detector assembly of the States patent United States of America NO 4 321 930, the two embodiments of the present invention make it possible to obtain an even more simplified assembly In addition, improvements are brought about by the fact that

  the elements constituting the light source and the

  light guard are modules so constructed

  unique and mounted separately, The present invention provides

  nit also an advanced means of protection against light, which is obtained by using an adhesive tape

  annular, double-sided, around the optical faces of my-

  to improve both light protection and

  re and fixing on the body, In addition, the first mode

  embodiment of the present invention provides a

  laughing involving the use of a watertight arrangement

  vacuum-packed in conjunction with a short arrangement

  roie to further strengthen the fixation on the body of

  elements constituting the light source and detector

  re whether it's optical fibers or electronics,

  In the second embodiment of the invention

  tion, there is no need to appeal to a court-

  roie and the modules constituted by the light source and by the light detector are mounted, slightly protected from light, and precisely spaced at

  with an adhesive pad This is important

  this particular for medical and surgical procedures

  where the patient is lying on his stomach and his head

  you must be tilted backwards, for either

  examination either of introduction of substances or of instru-

throat.

  7. The two embodiments of the device of the present invention mounted on the body provide a means for detecting the light reflected and returned by dispersion from the location where the light enters the body for the first time as well as '' a separate means of detecting both

  scattered light and light reflected at such a point

  killed some distance from the entry point of the

  The device of the present invention also provides

  Lely an advanced protection against the light, which makes it possible to avoid the entry of the ambient light or other outside light, and that also in a way which

  to avoid the establishment of local pressure

  painful at points where O the light enters and is out

  tectée Thus, the correction of variations in the volume

  guin of the skin is ensured in all modes of realization

  sation by control at its point of entry of the light

  bent in conjunction with the use of reflected and scattered light towards the second point

  for treatment in accordance with patent techniques

vets of the prior art.

  In both embodiments, the light

  incoming is transferred to the device of this in-

  vention, mounted on the body, by a connected optical cable

  at its light source, Corrective light reflected by the body at the point where the light from the source

  light enters the body as well as the light of me-

  sour reflected and dispersed back to a point some distance from the light source are both detected and transmitted for processing by a

  fiber optics The reflectance technique used

  read by the present invention is to be interpreted

  as the full deep reflectance technique

  described in the patent of the United States of America

4,321,930,

  The present invention will be well understood when

  of the following description made in conjunction with the

attached sins in which -

8,

  Figure 1 is a schematic representation

  material of the device consisting of a light source and a light detector, which can be mounted on the body, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, on a large scale, taken substantially along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of an optical module for the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an end view of the module

  Figure 3, taken in the direction of line 4-4 of figure

gure 3;

  Figure 5 is a sectional view taken sensi-

  along the line 5-5 in Figure 3;

  Figure 6 is a sectional view taken sensi-

  along the line 6-6 in Figure 3;

  Figure 7 is a schematic view of the arrangement

  sitive consisting of a light source and a light detector, which can be mounted on the body, representing

  a variant of the first embodiment of the invention

  tion with the use of vacuum attachment to the body; Figure 8 is a partial view, at large

  scale, of a section taken substantially along the line

  gene 8-8 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a plan view of an optical module suitable for vacuum, for the apparatus of Figure 7;

  Figure 10 is an end view of the opti-

  that of Figure 9 taken in the direction of line 10-10 of Figure 9;

  Figure 11 is a sectional view taken sensi-

  along the line 11-11 in Figure 9;

  Figure 12 is a sectional view taken

  only along line 12-12 of Figure 9;

  Figure 13 is a plan view of a varian-

  te of optical module adapted for vacuum, intended for the device of FIG. 7; Figure 14 is a side plan view of a double-sided, pressure-sensitive, annular ribbon which can be used with any of the optical modules of the present invention; FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the device constituted by the source and the light detector, which can be mounted on the body of the present invention according to a second embodiment, the device being

  depicted while riding on the forehead of a pa-

  holds which one controls the brain; FIG. 16 is a top view of the optical module of the light detector used in the second embodiment of the invention;

  Figure 17-is a side view of the opti-

  that of the light detector represented in FIG. 16, and

  showing an annular light protection pad

  re used in conjunction with such a module; Figure 18 is a bottom view of the optical module of the light detector shown in Figure 16; Figure 19 is a top plan view of the

  light source optical module shown in figure

gure 15;

  Figure 20 is a side view of the op-

  light source tick shown in figure 19,

  showing an annular lug for protection against light

  re used in conjunction with such a module; Figure 21 is a bottom view of the light source module shown in Figure 19; Figure 22 is a side view of a module mounting base of the type used in the second embodiment of the present invention to receive

  either a light source module or a light module

  light guard, and removably fix it to the body by being located at a certain distance; Figure 23 is a top view of the base shown in Figure 221

  Figure 24 is a bottom view of the em-

  base shown in Figure 22; 1 Q 1 Figure 25 is an exploded side view of the manner in which the light detector module of Figure 17 is mounted in the base of Figure 22; Figure 26 is a side view of the light detector module of Figure 22 resting completely in the base; Figure 27 is a plan view of a light shield used in the second mode

  of the present invention and intended to fi-

  x and protect both the light detection module

  re and the light source module after mounting in their respective bases with the base legs fixed by gluing to the body in spaced relation;

  Figure 28 is an elevational view of the drum.

pon shown in Figure 27;

  Figure 29 is a plan view, on a scale

  pick, light detector and light source modules shown in Figures 16 and 19, mounted in their respective bases, and representing the manner in which the base legs can be used as

  means allowing precise spacing of the op-

  ticks against each other; and

  Figure 30 is a plan view, on a scale

  pick, light and source detector modules

  of light as shown in Figures 16 and 19, as-

  appeared in their respective bases, and representing

  the way in which the spacing between opti-

  can be determined by the construction of a buffer

in Figure 27.

  With the descriptive context provided by the patents of the prior art, it appears that, when following the deep reflectance technique, as described in the patent of United States of America N O 4,321,930, the

  means used to introduce and implement the

  deep radiation of the near infrared measurement and reference wavelengths at the point of entry of light into the body, the means used to collect the light reflected directly and deeply at point 11,

  light input and the means to collect the light

  deeply penetrating material after dispersing and reflecting

  xion by the organ, for example by the brain or another

  be part of the body of interest, have an im-

  crucial and far reaching lift to obtain

  significant measurements of the desired parameters It is often

  haitable, for example, that the assembly constituted by the light source and the light detector which is fixed

  body has a configuration that can adapt to different

  Verses forms of the body, that is to say of the head, of a mem-

  bre or the torso of a human or animal being observed

  We also found it to be of significant importance.

  this criticism that the light protection associated

  to the assembly constituted by the light source and the

  light guard mounted on the body is effective both with regard to the near infrared outside and the

  external ambient light, so that the light enters

  trant in the body as well as the detected light are

  only the wavelengths of the light sources of-

  to be associated with the measures It is therefore

  desirable that the energy of photons outside the em-

  measurement placement, which could otherwise enter the body and affect the measurements, be absorbed by a

  means associated with the assembly formed by the source and the

  light guard of the present invention, It has also become increasingly evident

  that the assembly formed by the source and the light detector

  which attaches to the body must have a shape

  as much to avoid the restriction ae there local circulation of

  blood or any other tissue function in the ob-

  operation in order to avoid false signals In addition, it has been found desirable that the elements forming the light source and the light detector have an improved arrangement for mounting on the body which not only lends itself to protection against light. exterior but also protects the elements as the mounting assembly changes to conform to the body shape in the viewing area, Another

2539613-1

  12, a critical characteristic of the mounting structure of the elements constituting the light source and the light detector is that the relative space between these elements remains fixed during the measurement period and is not subject to alterations due to physical changes in the body geometry caused by breathing, body flexing, trauma, and the like Another important consideration is that the assembly of the light source and detector, which is mounted on the body, has

  1 O a shape allowing coupling and uncoupling-

  fast to the synchronization circuit, from the source

  of light, detection and treatment, located typically-

* at least at a distance of the order of one meter from the

is holding.

  As another important consideration, we have found

  It is highly desirable that the assembly consisting of the source and the light detector which is fixed to the body have a shape suitable for economical manufacture for a single end use and therefore

  contains disposable components Considering the diff

  difficulty and cost of washing and sterilization, the risk of disease transmission and contamination in

  surgical operations and in the event of accidents in par-

  particular, we can easily appreciate the advantage

  a pre-packaged, sterilized, single-use set

  final, and disposable, With the previous background information, and desired features and goals in sight,

  the description will now be made in conjunction with the

  figures so as to illustrate how these

  objectives are achieved on the whole perfected cons-

  titled by a light source and detector, mounted

  on the body, in a first embodiment of the

  vention who uses a belt, At the end of the descrip-

  tion of two variants of this first embodiment,

  the description will then be made of a second mode of reaction

  Lisation which uses light source and light detector modules generally of the same type as in 13.

  the first embodiment, but with a means of fi

  different fixation After the description of the two

  variants of the first embodiment of the invention

  both of which use a belt type arrangement

  but one of which uses a vacuum arrangement, we

  will then proceed to the description of the second embodiment

  based on the use of similar light source and detector modules with an adhesive pad

  by allowing mounting instead of the fitting

  ture of the first embodiment, In connection first and foremost with FIGS. 1 to 6, an improved assembly 20 consisting of a

  source and a light detector, according to a first mo-

  of carrying out the invention, includes fundamental-

  a support belt 30, a module support 35

  and, enclosed in the support 35, a source-de-module 50

  light detector and a light detector module 60

re.

  The support belt 30 is preferably made up of

  made of an elastic fabric, tightly woven, similar

  for example, elastic belts, stretch belts

  flexible, elastic fabrics and the like The strap should preferably be stretchable while having a

  sufficient flexibility to adapt to the shape of the head

  te, limb or torso of a human or animal

  to be examined, All surfaces of the court-

  roie 30 are preferably black in color so as to

  cilitate the absorption of energy from external photons

  close to the observation area The winding of the belt

  ture on the body and its unfolding are facilitated by using paired bands 40-43 of the said type

  "Velcro on the corresponding mating surfaces

  the belt 30, so that the belt 30 can easily match the dimensions and shape of the outline of the body, where the assembly 20 is fixed for control purposes, as described in the patents of the art Anterior, The belt 30 comprises an intermediate part 14. 'fixed to the external lateral surface of what will be called module support 35 A double-sided tape, 36,

  pressure sensitive, is used for this purpose and constitutes a means of fixing and removing the module support 35 when

  this is necessary to replace

ment or maintenance.

  The module support 35 is preferably made up of

  - killed by a material which is both elastic and deformed -

  ble to an extent suitable for the present invention A foam, for example, a silicone rubber, constitutes

  a material which can have varying degrees of elasticity

  ticity and is considered suitable in the context of the present invention The module support 35 is

  preferably molded with pre-formed cavities, not shown

  felt so as to slightly embrace and enclose the pair of optical modules 50, 60 which they support on the belt 30,

  While serving various functions, the mo-

  optical cells 50 and 60 have a fundamental construction

  Lement similar and will be described in connection with Figures 2 6 The module 50, by way of example, comprises a hollow housing 70 of circular shape, comprising a

  rear cover plate 71 and a light front face

  conical or slightly rounded 72 through which a

  central opening 73, A bundle of fibers 75

  ple thanks to a quick-disconnect optical coupler 76 and ends with an L-shaped end 79

  having a ground optical face 80 which mounts in the

  verture 73 The vacuum formed inside the housing 70

  turning end 79 is filled with epoxy resin or

  thermosetting component to facilitate bonding

  fixing the end 79 in the housing 70, and the

  that back cover 71 is properly glued or

  fixed in place in another way, after such mounting.

  The end 79 of the fiber bundle 75 serves both as a near-infrared light source end and as a corrective detector end with

  selected fibers used to bring lu-

15.

  to its point of entry and other dry fibers

  Selected, randomly scattered, being used to collect light returned directly from or near the light entry point (1-3 mm) The manner in which the correction and measured light sources operate and are dealt with is fully explained in the patents of

  the prior art which have been cited above.

  The module 60, as already indicated has a cons-

  truction similar to that of the module 50 and comprises a bundle of fibers 80 mounted by an optical coupler with quick disconnection 81 having a shaped end

  L 82, not shown, with a ground optical face 83.

  The beam 80 is used as a means for collecting

  read reflected and measured light for processing, including

  this is explained to me in the patents of the prior art

  During the light measurement operation, the modu-

  the 50 and 60 are mounted in the module support 35 and

  the assembly 20 of the present invention operates ma-

  so as to keep the spacing "S" uniform within the limits

  your discussed in the patents of the prior art.

  Protection against ambient light is considered to be important, in particular when the metabolic trends are being monitored and finite changes are important although of low value. Such protection is provided by a layer of material 90 protecting against light, who is

  glued to the module support 35 and has holes ap-

  properties 91, 92 as shown, so as to avoid that

  the respective optical faces 80, 83 are not covered

  your. As another aspect of the present invention,

  a pair of double-sided adhesive tapes,

  pressure sensitive, 100, 101 is used on the respective modules 50, 60 and is used to facilitate the

  protection against ambient light,

  bans 100, 101, are pre-formed as shown in figure

  re 14 and typically include a self-adhesive adhesive cap

  2539613 i protective cover which, after removal, allows the fixing on one side of the respective modules 50, 60 while leaving the opposite face exposed so as to be applied against the surface of the body opposite the respective optical faces 80, 83.

  In the use of the set 20 of the pre-

  sente invention, an optical gel is applied to each fac-

  this optic 80, 83 and the belt 30 is fixed to the selected part of the body so as to slightly compress the material constituting the module support 35 and to bring

  the respective optical faces 80, 83 surrounded by the ru-

  annular bands 100, 101, in firm contact with the surface

  body so as to maximize light contact and minimize light leakage and loss at the points of light entry and exit.

  slightly conical or rounded surfaces of the front faces

  respective sizes, for example the face 72 of the module 50,

  were useful in some applications as a way to

  cilitating such contact - given the im-

  contour supports and surfaces encountered

  on the human body, Once the set 20 on the run-

  the present invention has been properly fixed, as explained in the cited prior art patents

  previously, optical and electrical circuits

  - Prizes are established according to these patents, and the device of the present invention is used in the manner described

  previously in said patents.

  One of the important advantages of the whole per-

  20 of the present invention, according to a first embodiment, resides in the ability to preform the respective optical modules 50, 60 and to mount such optical modules on the module support 35 as a subassembly which can be quickly fixed. at the strap

  as previously explained, and mated and uncoupled

  folded quickly by means of the uncoupling means

  pide 76, 81, The modules 50, 60 may be made of metal or of a suitable plastic material, and molded or machined to give them the form described above. Any suitable means of manufacture can be employed to provide

  the L-shaped configuration of the ends of the beams

  respective optical beams 75, 80, and to fix these beams

  in the modules 50, 60 so as to maintain the respective optical faces 80, 83 in a fixed position by

report to modules.

  Now in connection with FIGS. 7 to 13, a variant of the first embodiment of the invention has been described, the general construction form of which is generally the same, but with the addition of a vacuum arrangement to reinforce the protection against

  the light and the fixing of the respective optical modules

  As in the first embodiment, the set

  ble 140 of this variant uses a base support strap 150 and a module support 155 fixed to this strap and comprising a layer 156 of light light-shielding material provided with suitable openings to allow the passage of the light as in the first embodiment of invention A

  the interior of the module support 155 is enclosed a pair

  re of preformed optical modules 170, 180 of generally

  generally similar and of an equally general construction

  similar to that described in connection with the

  dules 50 and 60, but suitable for vacuum mounting on

the body.

  Using a module 170 as an example, the

  hollow housing 181 mounts a bundle of fibers 185

  undermining by an L-shaped end 186 The end 186 is optically coupled by means of an optical coupler

  187 with quick disconnect and ends with an op-

  ground tick 190 flush with a central opening 191 which

  is formed in the slightly rounded front face or co-

  nique 192 The accommodation 181 has an interior bedroom.

  re made airtight by a back cover

  groove 193 which is placed so as to avoid air leaks with in addition an appropriate seal against air leaks around the fiber bundle 185 and of

  the optical face 190 The airtight chamber at the interior

2539613 '

  18. laughter of the housing 181 is coupled to an air tube 194 connected by a quick-disconnect coupler 195 to an appropriate source of vacuum, not shown The front face 192 of the housing 181 comprises four elliptical davits 200 which communicate via corresponding holes 201 with the vacuum chamber inside the housing 181 to which the tube 194 is connected In a

  third variant of the first embodiment shown

  felt in FIG. 13, the elliptical cavities 200 are re-

  linked by other cavities 202 so as to increase the total surface of the body exposed to the effect of the vacuum,

  Un'module 180, in a similar and useful way

  reading a generally identical construction, assembles an optical beam 205 connected by a coupler 206 and

  ending with 'an L-shaped end, not shown

  tee, with an optical face 210 The module 180 comprises

  also a vacuum tube 215 which is coupled by a coupling

  quick disconnect cry 216 at the same vacuum source

which feeds the tube 194.

  The beam 185 has the same function as the

  hoop 75, and beam 205 the same function as do

  ceau 80 of the first form of the first embodiment

tion of the invention.

  Using the set 140 of the second va-

  laughing of the first embodiment, the optical transmission and vacuum circuits are established and optical gel is applied to the respective optical faces, 210 The strap 150 is then fixed so as to

  place the respective front faces of the housing, for example

  ples the faces 192, and the respective optical faces 1 10,

  210 in contact with the body and also to place the evi-

  200 directly on and around the surfaces of the body, surfaces serving as the point of entry and exit of light When it is desired that the vacuum has a greater effect, because of the nature of the

  surface of the body on which the device of the present

  te invention is fxe, the module construction variant shown in Figure 13 allows to increase this 19. effect and therefore to obtain a fixation on the body assisted by the vacuum, Thus, in conjunction with the elastic compression effect secured by the belt

  and module support 155, a means is provided

  xiliary perfected, assisted by vacuum, which provides better protection against light and

  better fixing of the assembly on the belt 140.

  As with the first variant of the first mode of reaction

  reading of the invention, the elastic and deformed character

  table of the material chosen to constitute the module support 155 allows the thickness of the module support 155, as seen in FIG. 8, to contract

  when applying the strap 150 and fixing it

  tion by using "Velcro" strips 220 223 With the optical module support 155 compressed elastically in this way, an optical gel being applied to the respective optical faces 190, 210, and with appropriate application of vacuum to the respective modules 170, 180, we

  can see that we have a sensitive optical coupler-

  In addition, as with the

  first variant of the first embodiment of the in-

  vention, the optical modules 170, 180 can be pre-

  manufactured and installed in molded recesses in the

  support 155, as a sub-assembly for quick connection

  due to the equipment comprising the light source, the light processing means and the vacuum source In addition, annular, double-sided tapes, sensitive to

  pressure, as described above, can be used

  read around the respective optical faces for improvement

  rer the fixing when the Cepen- vacuum is not used

  In particular, vacuum fixing is particularly advantageous.

  geuse when measuring wet areas of the body such as, for example, in the case of an operation

open heart surgery.

  Although not shown, it will also be noted that the illustrated optical modules can be formed from bundles of continuous fibers leading to the source.

  light and to the processing circuit so as to avoid

20.

  ter the use of illus-

  We should also note that the system under

  vacuum described is suitable for use with optional modules

  only equipped with a photodetector, i.e. detectors

  light type of the electronic type as in the bre-

  vet n 4,321,930 Thus, a new and universal means

vacuum fixing is proposed.

  Another characteristic to be noted in the embodiments shown, as best seen in Figure 2, is that the thickness T of the material

  module support is intentionally made higher

  less than the overall thickness X (Figure 4) of the optical modules, This allows the foam material 35 of the support

  module to actually slide over the opti-

  ques respective and to be compressed slightly during application to the body, which facilitates the maintenance

  respective modules in their correct position.

  Having described in connection with Figures 1 to 14

  three variants of the first embodiment of the invention

  tion, in which a fixing means is used

  tion of the elongated belt type, the description will be

  Now you have a second embodiment of the invention.

  tion in connection with FIGS. 15-30 in which a construction of the base type for an optical module is

  retained, but in a form that does not require the use of

  tion of a strap as a means of attachment.

  As context for the description concerned

  nant the second embodiment of the invention, we no-

  3 Q will be that in certain surgical procedures where it is

  desirable to check the oxygen supply of the

  calf, the procedure requires the patient's head to be

  tilted back to allow admission of di-

  towards instruments or substances in the throat, or that the

  winking of the head backwards is simply necessary

  located by surgical or medical procedures in

  other medical or surgical operations where sufficient

  oxygen flow of the brain is controlled, the head of the pa-

21.

  holds may not need to be tilted

  rement in the case where it is necessary that the patient's head is tilted backwards, it has been found that the removable strip arrangement described in Figures i to 14 has certain drawbacks and that it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the assembly consisting of the light source and detector is not dislodged or misplaced when the patient's head is tilted backwards However, at other times when the patient's head is not tilted backwards rear, the arrangement of Figures 1 to 14 has been found satisfactory Thus, in

  the structure of the second embodiment of the present

  the invention, an improved assembly for mounting on the

  body of a detector and a light source is pre-

  seen, in which all the desirable characteristics,

  previously obtained in the first embodiment

  tion, are maintained while providing at the same time

  an improved assembly kit, intended more

  especially to be used on the head during brain control, and which adapts to the patient's head when it is tilted back or should be

  for reasons of medical or surgical procedure.

  Light source and detection modules

  light tor are used in both the first and second embodiments In the second embodiment, is provided for each source module

  light and light detector a device to em-

  base which is intended to receive the module, and by means of flexible legs extending radially, to be fixed by adhesive to the body instead of the fixing using the double-sided adhesive tape The length of the legs

  of the base allows the two bases comprising the modules

  the respective light source and light detector to be precisely spaced from each other as required for the practice of the techniques of

  optical control of patents of the prior art, The dis-

  improved positive mounting of the present invention according to this second embodiment also provides 2 r 39 13 22, that a flexible light protection pad is fixed by adhesive to the body so as to cover

  the legs of the base and allow the restan-

  your sockets are projecting outward on the pad and the interconnected optical cables go

* from the buffer to the light source and to the cir

  baked processing of prior art patents A

  once the optical modules and their respective bases

  have been fitted appropriately and have been

  suitably covered with the light protection pad, a somewhat larger additional light protection pad is placed on the first so as to cover both the first pad, the bases and the parts of the optical cables leaving the

  respective optical modules in their sockets The se-

  cond light protection pad is fixed by

  adhesive to the body along its peripheral edges in use

  including double-sided tape, as a final procedure

  the light protection, a flexible waterproof cap

  che in the light, as described previously in liai-

  sound with the first embodiment, is placed on the part of the patient's body on which the

  optical modules, sockets and anti-light buffers

  re in order to protect the light source even more

  and modules against ambient light.

  More specifically in conjunction with the 3Q figures, the improved assembly comprising a detector

  and a light source 320 according to the second embodiment

  Lisation of the present invention comprises a base support buffer 330 for protection against light, a pair of module bases 335, 336, a light source module 350, a light detector module 360, an auxiliary protection buffer against light 340, and

  finally a global drape 346 for protection against

mother.

  The base support pad 330 is preferably

  made of a tight, non-elastic fabric,

  their black, such as the black Naugahyde fabric used

2539 13

  23, in automobile seats, upholstery and the like, and should preferably be sufficiently elastic to conform to the shape of the head or of another part of the

  body of the human or animal under control.

  In addition, all the surfaces of the pad 330 should preferably be black, so as to facilitate the absorption of the energy of the external photons located near the observation area. The attachment of the pad 330 to the surface of the body is facilitated by the use of a pressure sensitive adhesive 338 on the whole

  of the surface of the pad 330 which is applied to the body.

  A removable cover sheet is desirable on the adhesive 338,

  The module bases 335, 336 are preferably

  these consist of a molded plastic material, both elastic and deformable to a degree suitable for

  the invention described Each base 335, 336 forms a lo-

  hollow housing, with elastic wall, molded with a base or

  green and an upper end closed so as to re-

  tight fitting of a light source module

  350 or a 360 light detector module In a mo-

  of preferred embodiment, the internal diameter D and the internal length L of the bases 335, 336 have a size

  standard, as is the case for the outside diameter

  laughing D 'and the external length L' of the modules 350, 360 As is best represented in FIGS. 15, 22 and 26, each base 335, 336 has an open slot 337 for receiving optical cables 351, 361 starting from the respective optical modules 350 , 360, Each base 335, 336 is thus assembled with a respective optical module 350, 360, as shown & by way of example in FIGS. 25 and 26, with regard to the assembly of

  the base 336 and the light detector module 360.

  The optical cables 351, 361 made up of

  these optical fibers can go directly to the light source and to the processing circuit 355 of the patents of the prior art in question, without the intervention of optical couplers and consequently with 24, minimization of the losses of light In a variant, he is

  sometimes desirable to provide a means allowing

  quick optical coupling and uncoupling of the assembly 320 on the body In this case, quick connect-disconnect couplers 352, 353 are provided. Each base 335, 336, is provided to the right of the open base with three flexible legs 339 of low

  thickness, extending radially, which are preferably

  ce of a uniform size and have the same length T A pressure-sensitive tape 341, double-sided, is fixed to the lower part of each tab 339 and serves as a means of fixing the respective base 335 or 336 to the surface of the body, Removable cover strips can be used to protect the adhesive material before installation. Furthermore, as will be discussed later in connection with FIGS. 29 and 30, it will be noted that the critical distance M between the module

  light source 350 and the light detector module

  re 360 can be established by covering a pair of

  legs 339 and use of the length T as a device

  tif positioning as is best shown in Figure 29 The pad 330 has two slots 331, 332

  starting from base holes 333, 334 and separated from the same

  me critical distance M, Distance M represents the same

  critical distance than the one previously designated

  ment by S in Figures 1 and 7, So the space between

  slots 331, 332 can also be used as a slot

  spacing slot The slots 331, 332-also facilitate

  The mounting of the buffer 330 on the respective bases

  ves 335, 336 after the respective optical modules 350, 360 have been completely seated in their respective bases 335, 336 by allowing the respective optical output cables 351, 361 fixed by means of quick disconnect optical couplers 352, 353 of go through them and on the buffer 330 when mounting the buffer 330 on the bases 335, 336, While assuming different functions, the optical modules 350 and 360 are basically 25.

  similar size and construction and will be de-

  written in more detail in connection with the figures

  res 16 to 21 Module 350, for example, includes

  a hollow housing 370, of circular shape, which comprises

  te a back cover plate 371 and a flat front plate 372 in which a central opening 373 is formed The fiber bundle 351 is coupled by

  an optical coupler with quick disconnection 352 and

  mine by an end 379 & right angle which has a slightly projecting part with a ground optical surface 380 in the opening 373 The vacuum created inside the housing 370 around the end 379 is filled with an epoxy resin or of a similar thermosetting compound so as to facilitate the fixing of this end 379 inside the housing 370, and the rear plate

  cover 371 is glued or fixed in place of a

be so after such mounting,

  The end 379 of the fiber bundle 351 provides

  nit both a near infrared light source terminal and a correction detector terminal with selected fibers which are used to route the

  light to the point of entry of light and other fi-

  berries scattered at random which are used to collect the

  material returned by reflection directly from the entry point of the

  or near this point (1-3 mm) The manner in which

  such corrective and measurement light sources work is ex-

  applied in the patents of the prior art in question.

  The module 360, as indicated previously, has a construction similar to that of the module 350 and mounts

  a bundle of fibers 361 which is connected by a cou-

  quick disconnect optical cry 353, having an extreme

  mite at right angles 382 with a slightly sailed part

  lie having a ground optical surface 383 The beam 361 is used as a means for collecting light

  reflected measured for processing, as explained

  fully in the cited patents of the prior art.

  In addition, during light measurement, the modules 350 and 360 are mounted in their respective bases 335, 336 and 26,

  are placed on the body in a way that allows you to

  keep the spacing X 4 uniform within the limits discussed

in said patents.

  Protection against ambient light is considered to be critical, especially when metabolic trends are being monitored and finite changes are important, albeit small. Thus, when the respective modules 350, 360 are mounted in the sockets 335, 336 and are assembled as described in FIG. 15 with the pad 330 fixed on the lugs 339, additional protection is provided by using the auxiliary pad made of light protection material 340 which includes a double-sided adhesive tape 344 of so that the buffer 340 can be fixed firmly and provide adequate protection against light on the respective modules 350, 360, mounted in their respective bases 335, 336 as described in FIG. 15, The corresponding optical cables 351, 361 pass below buffer 340 and are pre-

  ference wrapped with a strip of black felt 348 at the point where they come out from under the pad 340 so

  to form an additional screen A rubber sheet-

  ch Qoi Uc with hard, dense, black, very flexible neoprene,

  0.4 mm thick suitable as a 340 pad.

  As another aspect of the present invention, two thin, double-sided, annular, pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes 400, 401 are employed on the respective modules 350, 360 and help provide the desired protection against ambient light.

  around the respective optical faces 380, 383 The ru-

  bans 400, 401 are preformed according to the illustration of FIG. 14 and typically comprise an adhesive and removable protective cover which, after removal, allows the strips 400, 401 to be fixed on one side of the respective modules 350, 360 while leaving bare the opposite side with adhesive surface to be fixed on the parts

  bodies opposite the respective optical faces

ves 380, 383.

2539 13

27.

  In the use of the set 320 of the pre-

  sente invention, an optical gel is applied to each side

  optical 380, 383 and the annular adhesive tapes res-

  pective 400, 401 are installed around the respective optical faces 380, 383, The respective modules 350, 360

  are then fitted with a tight fit in their packaging

  its respective 335, 336, In order to obtain the desired spacing M between the light source module 350 and the light detector module 360, the legs 339 of the bases can be oriented before being fixed to the

  body surface as in figure 29, so that the length

  leg guard T maintains correct distance M In this installation mode, after the optical modules 350, 360 have been fitted with tight adjustment in their

  bases 335,336, as shown in figures 25-26-

  for module 360 as an example, the caps respec-

  tives for the adhesive strips 351 can be removed from the tabs 339 and from the annular tapes 400, 401 and the modules 350, 360 adhere to the body in the orientation shown in FIG. 29 After this step, the cap for the adhesive of the pad 330 is removed and the pad 330 is then mounted on the assembled optical modules 350, 360 and the bases 335, 336, with the use of the slots 331, 332 for positioning the optical cables 351, 361 extending over the pad 330 as shown in figures and 30 In another installation mode, after the respective optical modules 350, 360 have been fitted with interference fit in the respective bases 335, 336, the bases are installed in the buffer 330, as shown in FIG. 30 - The spacing between the slots 331,

  332 thus establishes the desired spacing M which is necessary

  re in the measurement operation In this installation mode, the caps for the adhesive tape 341 on the legs

  of emhase 339, the caps on the adhesive of the annular ribbons

  laires 400, 401 and the cap for the pad adhesive

  330 can be removed after the respective bases

  tives 335, 336 with the respective modules 350, 360 have

2539 ë 13

  28. been assembled in the manner described in FIG. 30,

  The complete buffer-base-module assembly shown in figure

  gure 30, can then be fixed to the body using the

  adhesive surfaces of optical tapes 400, 401, the surfaces

  these adhesives of the base tabs 339 and the adhesive surface formed on the pad 330, the auxiliary pad 340 is now mounted in the manner described above,

  after which, a protective cap against light

  miere 345 is draped over the head and on the parts of the optical wiring near the assembly 320 so as to provide additional protection against ambient light,

  According to the previous description of the second mo-

  of carrying out the invention, various advantages over the light source-detector mounting arrangements described in the patents of the prior art,

  A main advantage is the ability to

  to fix the assembly 320 on the body, in particular on the head for monitoring the brain, without having to use a strap as in the first embodiment of the invention Thus, if it is necessary to tilt the head back during a surgical or medical procedure, this can be done with the structure of the second embodiment shown in

  Figure 15 without dislodging the control assembly 320.

  Alternatively, when the head or another part of the body under control must not be tilted, the apparatus of the present invention lends itself to this mode of application

  as is the case with the first mode.

  The respective bases 335, 336 can be made of a suitable plastic material and thus

  present as relatively inexpensive components

  teux, disposable single use, In addition, the tampon

  330 can also be a disposable component for use

  tion, as well as the auxiliary pad 340, Thus, by allowing components to be disposable, to

  single end use, significant expense is avoided

  with regard to the washing and sterilization of the device

  e 79613 29. sitive of the present invention following an operation

surgical or medical.

  The device of the present invention also achieves a significant advance in protection against light, by being able to use the combined characteristics of protection of the annular tapes 400, 401 which surround the respective optical faces 380, 383

  on modules 350, 360 in conjunction with the properties

  protective tees for pad 330 which can be fixed narrowly

  using adhesive 338 Additional protection

  is naturally provided by the auxiliary tampon

  bond 340 with the use of adhesive strips 344.

  The appreciation of some of the values of me-

  above mentioned must take into account the fact

  that they come from the conversion of Anglo-Sa-

x tonnes in metric units.

  The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described, it

  is on the contrary subject to modifications and

  laughing who will appear to those skilled in the art.

Claims (10)

  1 Spectrophotometric measuring device   than for in situ, in vivo, non-invasive measurement   healthy, atraumatic, harmless, rapid and continuous with a selected activity of a selected part of the body where such an activity has a relationship   measurable in relation to a characteristic of absorb-   tion of the part chosen for a particular wavelength of light, comprising:   I a light source means (355) comprising   bearing: (a) a plurality of near infrared light sources (355) located outside the body and having light emissions of different wavelengths in a selected spectral range and of an intensity below the level damage to the body and of the chosen part, but sufficient health to be detectable by a   light detector after trans-   mission via an optical transmission-reflectance path comprising said chosen part and extending between selected points of light entry and exit distant from each other by several centimeters and placed on areas contiguous to the surface of the skin of the body and after dispersion and reflectance by the part chosen along the path; and   (b) a functional means (355) associated also with light sources   to produce shows that represent 25396 1 3   both at least one measurement wavelength and at least one reference wavelength inside   of the spectral range for transmitted-   along the path to the chosen part, the measurement wavelength being selected so that the chosen part has a   absorption selected for this   ci, the extent of which depends on the specific state of the activity being measured; 2 a first optical cable means (80,) providing a bundle of optical fibers with selected fibers   linked to receive and trans-   put the light emissions coming from the light sources at the lengths   waveform and reference wave   only at a selected point of the light entry close to the body; 3 a second optical cable means (75, 36) providing a bundle of optical fibers connected so as to receive   light emissions penetrating pro-   that are thoughtfully and disper-   to the selected exit point   tie of light by the chosen part of the   body and transmitting such emitted-   outgoing light ions to a processing means; 4 associated processing means (355)   functionally by means of source-   light provided for producing from the outputs of the first and second optical cable means an electrical signal of   output representing the difference in absorb-   characterized in - measurement and reference wavelengths by the body part   chosen according to the state of the ac-   tivity and planned further for conver-   firing the electrical output signal in   signal providing a sensitive measurement-   continuous and rapid action quickly; what he understands:   a removable device (140, 320) for   before being mounted on the body, associated   functionally at the light source   se, to the first and second means of ca-   optical fiber and by means of treatment comprising: (a) a flexible, elongated support element (150, 330) intended to be removably fixed to the body near a selected part thereof, having a selected clearance light entry and exit points spaced from each other, so as to provide protection tion against ambient light for entry and exit points   tie of light and to follow the outline and the shape of the body at this location; (b) a module mounting structure (156,335,336) intended to be protected from light and held by the support element against the selected part of the body and to have a configura-   tion which deforms into correspondan-   this with the contour assumed by the element   support ment when attached to the body;   (c) a first pre-formed optical module   mé (50, 170, 350) mounted in the structure and forming a hollow housing containing a first light guide means formed by a bundle of optical fibers coupled   optically a first way to   optical fiber and having a first light-emitting optical face placed in the center of an outer face   of the housing and intended to be coupled in a relationship with mounting substantially tight to the   selected light entry point re using selected fibers   beamed for entry   of light in wavelengths   of selected to be trans-   put, reflected deeply and scattered along the path and up to the chosen part of the body; and (d) a second pre-formed optical module   (60,180,360) mounted in the structure re and providing a second lodge-   hollow hollow enclosing a second light guiding means formed by a bundle of optical fibers coupled optically to the second means of ca- optical and having a second   optical light receiving side   re placed in the center of an outer face   of the housing of the second module and intended to be coupled in a substantially tight fit relationship with the selected point of light output distant from whatever 25396 13 34 -   ques centimeters from the entry point - of light to receive and trans-   put the light emissions pe-   which are reflected and dispersed to the point of selection-   born out of light by the chosen tie of the body.   2 Apparatus according to claim 1, ca-   characterized in that each optical module includes   openings (201) in the outer faces res-   pectives (192) of the respective housings, surrounding the respective optical faces and means (194) communicating the openings with a vacuum source, from which it follows that the fixing of the optical faces to the respective entry and exit points of light is enhanced by assisted traction   by vacuum on the skin surrounding said points.   3 Apparatus according to claim 1, ca-   characterized in that the modular mounting structure   the is removably attached to the support element Harbor.   4 Spectrophotometric measuring device   as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that:   (a) the module mounting structure   takes first and second structures   base (335,336) providing each   cune a hollow wall structure having an open base and having flexible leg elements (339)   extending radially outward.   laughing at the base, the first structure   base plate being intended to re-   according to a tight fit the first optical module housing with a connected part of the cable   external optics of the fi-   bres associated with the first opti-   that leaving the wall of the first.   base structure and the second base structure being intended to receive, according to a tight fit, the second optical module with a connected part of the optical cable   outside of the bundle of fibers-   ciée leaving the wall of the second base structure, and comprising a   medium adhesive on the lower sides   res paw elements that per-   put these items to be fixed   to the body in a spaced relationship   literally, from which it results the fixation   tion of the optical modules in this same spaced relationship; and   (b) in that the flexible support member elongated wheat includes:   a flexible protective pad (330)   tion against light, having a co-   tee with adhesive surface (3381 and being   planned to be mounted on the structures   base plate with installed modules   strips in these and following a ma-   allowing the side with adhesive surface to be fixed by glue to the   body and in a way allows   both the leg elements to be re-   cutlery and optical faces respectively   modules to be protected from light by the sticky side of the panel with optical wiring   respective connected to the modules on-   sealing the opposite side of the tampon.   Apparatus according to claim 1, charac-   terized in that it includes at least one headdress   xiliary (340) of protection against ambient light   which is intended to cover the support element   during the operation of the device.   6 Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:   (a) the bundle of optical fibers of the first   mier medium optical cable (80,351) includes other selected fibers which are connected to transmit to emission processing means   deeply penetrating light shit directly through the skin,   limbs and tissue a few milli-   meters or less from the selected point of light entry; (b) the electrical signal output from the processing means (355) is corrected to account for variations in the volume of blood from the skin, limbs and tissue during the measurement cycle; and   (c) the bundle of optical fibers of the first   mier pre-formed optical module (50.70,   350) includes other selected fibers   beamed to receive   direct reflected light emissions   through the skin, limbs and   fabric at a distance of a few thousand   or less than the selected point born of light entry.   7 Apparatus according to claim 4, charac-   terized in that the protective pad is made up   killed by a flexible light-shielding pad (330), having a pair of openings (333,334) for receiving the base structures at a certain predetermined distance therebetween and with split portions (331,332) of the connecting pad X 961 3   the openings at one of its outer edges, which allows the protective pad to be mounted   on the leg elements while authorizing the purchase   minement of the optical cables associated with the module to come out of the protective buffer above its sur- outer face.   8 Apparatus according to claim 4,   characterized in that it comprises at least one coif-   fe auxiliary (345) protection against ambient light, intended to cover the first buffer   protection during operation of the device.   9 Apparatus according to claim 4, ca-   characterized in that the first and second housing   cond optical modules have a cy- size and shape   lindrique similar the hollow wall structures of the bases have a size and a cylindrical shape   similar so as to form cy-   hollow lindrics receiving in a tight fit the housings of the optical modules, and in that the hollow wall structures of the bases are split   (337) to allow the passage of the bundles of   optical fibers from the respective modules and each   that the hollow wall structure of the bases has a closed end wall opposite the end constituting the base.