WO2011062683A1

WO2011062683A1 - Systems for intravascular measurement

Info

Publication number: WO2011062683A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/050563
Authority: WO
Inventors: David R. F. Stevens; John Mackay; Brandt Weibezahn
Original assignee: Keimar, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-11-20
Filing date: 2010-09-28
Publication date: 2011-05-26

Abstract

Systems for measuring physiological parameters include a probe, a display module, and/or an electronics unit. The probe may include a plurality of sensors, a plurality of amplifiers, at least one analog-digital converter, a connector, and a power regulator. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. A flexible circuit may comprise the electronic components of the probe and may include flexible regions between certain electronic components. The arrangement of electronic components on the probe may reduce interference and increase signal accuracy. The display module may include a plurality of amplifiers, at least one analog-digital converter, a connector, and a power regulator. The electronics unit may include a plurality of amplifiers, at least one analog-digital converter, at least one connector, and a power regulator.

Description

SYSTEMS FOR INTRAVASCULAR MEASUREMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/263,238, filed November 20, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] The present application generally relates to probes and sensors for measuring physiological parameters, and more particularly relates to implantable probes and sensors for ascertaining parameters of body fluid such as pressure, temperature, gas concentrations, and pH.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Determination of cardiac output, arterial blood gases, blood pressure, and other hemodynamic or cardiovascular parameters is critically important in the treatment and care of patients, particularly those undergoing surgery or other complicated medical procedures and those under intensive care. Such parameters can provide important patient status information to caregivers that can inform treatment decisions.

[0004] Typically, cardiac output measurements are made using pulmonary artery thermodilution catheters, which can have inaccuracies of 20% or greater. The use of such thermodilution catheters increases hospital costs while exposing the patient to potential infectious, arrhythmogenic, mechanical, and therapeutic misadventure. Blood gas measurements have been commonly made by removing a blood sample from the patient and transporting the sample to a lab for analysis. The caregiver must wait for the results to be reported by the lab, a delay of 20 minutes being typical and longer waits not being unusual.

[0005] "Point-of-care" blood testing systems allow blood sample analysis at a patient's bedside or in the area where the patient is located. Such systems include portable and handheld units and modular units that fit into a bedside monitor and can determine parameters such as metabolite and blood gas concentrations. While most point-of-care systems require the removal of blood from the patient for bedside analysis, a few do not. In some systems, intermittent blood gas and metabolite measurements are made by drawing a sufficiently large blood sample into an arterial line to ensure an undiluted sample at a sensor located in the line. After analysis, the blood is returned to the patient, the line is flushed, and results appear on the bedside monitor. In other systems, such as those that measure the concentration of single or multiple metabolites in a patient's blood, blood is drawn into a syringe and placed into a vial or ampule, microfuged to separate plasma from platelets, and pipetted into a sample vial that is placed into a bench-top or floor-model analyzer for measurement. Such analyzers require many operating steps, are expensive and bulky and not readily accessible, practical, or affordable in many situations and settings.

[0006] A non-invasive technology, pulse oximetry, is available for estimating the percentage of hemoglobin in arterial blood that is saturated with oxygen. Although pulse oximeters are capable of estimating arterial blood oxygen content, they are not capable of measuring parameters such as carbon dioxide content, pH, the partial pressure of oxygen, or venous oxygen content. Furthermore, pulse oximetry is commonly performed at the fingertip and can be skewed by peripheral vasoconstriction or even nail polish. Although pulse oximetry can also be used to measure blood metabolite concentrations, such measurements are generally not as precise and reliable as electrochemical measurements.

[0007] Blood pressure can be measured non-invasively using a blood pressure manometer connected to an inflatable cuff. This is the most common method outside of the intensive care environment. In critical care settings, at least 60% of patients have arterial lines. An arterial line consists of a plastic cannula inserted into a peripheral artery (commonly the radial or the femoral). The cannula is kept open and patent because it is connected to a pressurized bag of heparinized fluid such as normal saline. An external gauge also connects to the arterial cannula to reflect the column of fluid pressure in the artery. This system consists of an arterial line connected to a pressure transducer by saline-filled, non- compressible tubing. This converts the pressure waveform into an electrical signal displayed on the bedside monitor. The pressurized saline for flushing is provided by a pressure bag. Several potential sources of error exist in this system. First, any one of the many components in the system can fail. Second, the transducer position is critical because the pressure displayed is pressure relative to position of transducer. Thus, in order to accurately reflect blood pressure, the transducer should be at the level of the heart. Over-reading will occur if transducer too low and under-reading if transducer too high. Third, the transducer must be zeroed to the atmospheric pressure at the time of measurement, otherwise the blood pressure will be incorrectly measured. Fourth, it is critical to have appropriate damping in the system. Inadequate damping will result in excessive resonance in the system, which causes an overestimate of systolic pressure and an underestimate of diastolic pressure. An under- damped trace is often characterized by a high initial spike in the waveform. The opposite occurs with over-damping. In both cases, the mean arterial pressure is the most accurate.

SUMMARY

[0008] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention are described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages need to be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0009] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular disclosed embodiment(s).

[0010] In certain embodiments, a display module comprises a first connector, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a fourth amplifier, a fifth amplifier, and a first analog-digital converter. The first connector is configured to receive a first analog signal, a second analog signal, a third analog signal, a fourth analog signal, and a fifth analog signal. The first amplifier is configured to amplify the first analog signal. The second amplifier is configured to amplify the second analog signal. The third amplifier is configured to amplify the third analog signal. The fourth amplifier is configured to amplify the fourth analog signal. The fifth amplifier is configured to amplify the fifth analog signal. The first analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal, the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal, the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal, and the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal. The first analog-digital converter may be further configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a second analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a processor configured to process the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a battery and a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by the battery. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the display module and a probe comprising a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, a fifth sensor, and a first connector. The first sensor is configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce the first analog signal indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor is configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce the second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor is configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce the third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce the fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce the fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. The second connector is configured to transmit the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, the fourth analog signal, and the fifth analog signal to the first connector. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, and the second connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, and the second connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, and the fifth sensor and the second connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor. [0011] In certain embodiments, a display module comprises a first connector, a plurality of amplifiers, and a first analog-digital converter. The first connector is configured to receive a plurality of analog signals. Each said amplifier is configured to amplify one of said analog signals. The first analog-digital converter is configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals into digital signals. The first analog-digital converter may be configured to convert each of the amplified analog signals into a digital signal. The display module may further comprise a second analog-digital converter configured to convert others of the amplified analog signals into digital signals. The display module may further comprise a processor configured to process the digital signals. The display module may further comprise a battery and a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by the battery. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters may comprise the display module and a probe comprising a plurality of sensors and a second connector. Each said sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter. The second connector is configured to transmit the analog signals to the first connector. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the plurality of sensors and the second connector. The plurality of sensors includes a proximal-most sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: two of said sensors and the proximal-most sensor and the second connector. The proximal-most sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0012] In certain embodiments, an electronics unit comprises a first connector, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a fourth amplifier, a fifth amplifier, a first analog-digital converter, and a second connector. The first connector is configured to receive a first analog signal, a second analog signal, a third analog signal, a fourth analog signal, and a fifth analog signal. The first amplifier is configured to amplify the first analog signal. The second amplifier is configured to amplify the second analog signal. The third amplifier is configured to amplify the third analog signal. The fourth amplifier is configured to amplify the fourth analog signal. The fifth amplifier is configured to amplify the fifth analog signal. The first analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal, the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal, the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal, and the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal. The second connector is configured to transmit the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and a fifth digital signal converted from the amplified fifth analog signal. The first analog-digital converter may be further configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into the fifth digital signal. The electronics unit may further comprise a second analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into the fifth digital signal. The electronics may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the electronics unit and a probe comprising a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, a fifth sensor, and a third connector. The first sensor is configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce the first analog signal indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor is configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce the second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor is configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce the third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce the fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce the fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. The third connector is configured to transmit the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, the fourth analog signal, and the fifth analog signal to the first connector. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, and the third connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, and the third connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, and the fifth sensor and the third connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The system may further comprise a display module comprising a fourth connector, a processor, and a battery. The fourth connector is configured to receive the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The processor is configured to process the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module further may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0013] In certain embodiments, an electronics unit comprises a first connector, a plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter, and a second connector. The first connector is configured to receive a plurality of analog signals. Each amplifier is configured to amplify an analog signal. The first analog-digital converter is configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals into digital signals. The second connector is configured to transmit the digital signals. The first analog-digital converter may be further configured to convert each of the amplified analog signals into a digital signal. The electronics unit may further comprise a second analog-digital converter configured to convert others of the amplified analog signals into digital signals. The electronics unit may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the electronics unit and a probe comprising a plurality of sensors and a third connector. Each said sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter. The third connector is configured to transmit the analog signals to the first connector. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors and the third connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the plurality of sensors including a proximal-most sensor, and the second connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: two of said sensors, and the proximal-most sensor and the second connector. The proximal-most sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The distal-most sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The system may further comprise a display module comprising a fourth connector, a processor, and a battery. The fourth connector is configured to receive the digital signals. The processor is configured to process the digital signals. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0014] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a first sensor, a first amplifier, a second sensor, a second amplifier, a third sensor, a third amplifier, a fourth sensor, a fourth amplifier, a fifth sensor, a fifth amplifier, an analog-digital converter, and a first connector. The first sensor is configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce a first analog signal indicative of the first physiological parameter. The first amplifier is configured to amplify the first analog signal. The second sensor is configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce a second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter. The second amplifier is configured to amplify the second analog signal. The third sensor is configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce a third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter. The third amplifier is configured to amplify the third analog signal. The fourth sensor is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce a fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fourth amplifier is configured to amplify the fourth analog signal. The fifth sensor is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce a fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. The fifth amplifier is configured to amplify the fifth analog signal. The analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal, the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal, the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal, the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal, and the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal. The first connector is configured to transmit the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the analog-digital converter, and the analog-digital converter and the first connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the analog-digital converter, the analog- digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The processor is configured to process the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0015] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of amplifiers, an analog-digital converter, and a first connector. Each said sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter. Each said amplifier is configured to amplify an analog signal from one said sensor. The analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified analog signals into digital signals. The first connector is configured to transmit the digital signals. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of arrays, each said sensor array comprising a sensor of the plurality of sensors and an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of sensor arrays including a proximal-most sensor and a proximal-most amplifier, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays, and the proximal-most amplifier and the analog-digital converter, and the analog-digital converter and the first connector. The proximal-most sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The distal-most sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the analog-digital converter, and the analog-digital converter and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising a sensor of the plurality of sensors and an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of sensor arrays including a proximal-most sensor and a proximal-most amplifier, the analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays, the proximal-most amplifier and the analog-digital converter, the analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The proximal-most sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The distal-most sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the analog-digital converter, the analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the digital signals. The processor is configured to process the digital signals. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0016] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a first sensor, a first amplifier, a first analog-digital converter, a second sensor, a second amplifier, a second analog-digital converter, a third sensor, a third amplifier, a third analog-digital converter, a fourth sensor, a fourth amplifier, a fourth analog-digital converter, a fifth sensor, a fifth amplifier, a fifth analog-digital converter, and a first connector. The first sensor is configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce first analog signals indicative of the first physiological parameter. The first amplifier is configured to amplify the first analog signal. The first analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal. The second sensor is configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce a second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter. The second amplifier is configured to amplify the second analog signal. The second analog-digital is converter configured to convert the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal. The third sensor is configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce a third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter. The third amplifier is configured to amplify the third analog signal. The third analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal. The fourth sensor is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce a fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fourth amplifier is configured to amplify the fourth analog signal. The fourth analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal. The fifth sensor is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce a fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. The fifth amplifier is configured to amplify the fifth analog signal. The fifth analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal. The first connector is configured to transmit the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fourth analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the fifth analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fourth analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the fifth analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second sensor, the second sensor and the amplifier, the second amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, and the fifth analog-digital converter and the first connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the second amplifier, the second sensor, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the third analog- digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the fifth analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, and the fifth analog-digital converter and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fourth analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the fifth analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fourth analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the fifth analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog- digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, and the fifth analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the second amplifier, the second sensor, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the fifth analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, the fifth analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter may be integrated in a first combination circuit. The second amplifier and the second analog-digital converter may be integrated in a second combination circuit. The third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter may be integrated in a third combination circuit. The fourth amplifier and the fourth analog-digital converter may be integrated in a fourth combination circuit. The fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter may be integrated in a fifth combination circuit. The fifth amplifier, the fifth analog-digital converter, and the power regulator may be integrated in a fifth combination circuit. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The processor is configured to process the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0017] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of amplifiers, a plurality of analog-digital converters, and a first connector. Each said sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter. Each said amplifier is configured to amplify an analog signal from one said sensor. Each said converter is configured to convert an amplified analog signal from one said amplifier into a digital signal. The first connector is configured to transmit the digital signals. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising a sensor of the plurality of sensors, an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, and an analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, the plurality of sensor arrays including a proximal-most sensor, a proximal-most amplifier, and a proximal-most analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays, said amplifier and said analog-digital converter in one of said sensor arrays, and the proximal-most analog-digital converter and the first connector. The proximal-most sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The distal-most sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, and a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a proximal-most sensor array comprising a proximal-most sensor, a proximal-most amplifier, and a proximal-most analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays, said amplifier and said analog-digital converter in one of said sensor arrays, the plurality of sensor arrays and the proximal-most sensor, the proximal-most sensor and the proximal-most amplifier, the proximal-most amplifier and the proximal-most analog-digital converter, and the proximal-most analog-digital converter and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fifth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog- digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, and the fifth analog-digital converter and the first connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fourth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fifth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, and the fifth analog-digital converter and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of analog-digital converters, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising a sensor of the plurality of sensors, an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, and an analog-digital converter of the sensor array of analog-digital converters, the plurality of sensor arrays including a proximal- most sensor, a proximal-most amplifier, and a proximal-most analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays, said amplifier and said analog-digital converter in one of said sensor arrays, the proximal-most analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, and a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a proximal-most sensor array comprising a proximal-most sensor, a proximal-most amplifier, and a proximal-most analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays, said amplifier and said analog-digital converter in one of said sensor arrays, the plurality of sensor arrays and the proximal-most sensor, the proximal-most sensor and the proximal-most amplifier, the proximal-most amplifier and the proximal-most analog-digital converter, the proximal-most analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fifth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, the fifth analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fourth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fifth analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth analog-digital converter, the fourth analog-digital converter and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the fifth analog-digital converter, the fifth analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the digital signals. The processor is configured to process the digital signals. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0018] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a first sensor, a first amplifier, a second sensor, a second amplifier, a third sensor, a third amplifier, a fourth sensor, a fourth amplifier, a first analog-digital converter, a fifth sensor, a fifth amplifier, a second analog- digital converter, and a first connector. The first sensor is configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce a first analog signal indicative of the first physiological parameter. The first amplifier is configured to amplify the first analog signal. The second sensor is configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce a second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter. The second amplifier is configured to amplify the second analog signal. The third sensor is configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce a third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter. The third amplifier is configured to amplify the third analog signal. The fourth sensor is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce a fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fourth amplifier is configured to amplify the fourth analog signal. The first analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal, the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal, the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal, and the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal. The fifth sensor is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce a fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. The fifth amplifier is configured to amplify the fifth analog signal. The second analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal. The first connector is configured to transmit the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, and the second analog-digital converter and the first connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the third amplifier, the third sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, and the second analog-digital converter and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the third amplifier, the third sensor, the fourth amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The processor is configured to process the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor. [0019] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of amplifiers, a plurality of analog-digital converters, and a first connector. Each said sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter. Each said amplifier configured to amplify an analog signal from one said sensor. Each said converter is configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals into digital signals. The first connector is configured to transmit the digital signals. The may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The system of Embodiment 216, wherein the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient and wherein the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising a sensor of the plurality of sensors and an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of sensor arrays including a proximal-most sensor and a proximal-most amplifier, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays. The proximal-most sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The distal-most sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, and the second analog- digital converter and the first connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, and the second analog-digital converter and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising a sensor of the plurality of sensors and an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of sensor arrays including a proximal -most sensor and a proximal-most amplifier, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: said sensor and said amplifier in one of said sensor arrays. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog- digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third sensor, the third sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector configured to receive the digital signals, a processor configured to process the digital signals, and a battery. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0020] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a first sensor, a first amplifier, a second sensor, a second amplifier, a first analog-digital converter, a third sensor, a third amplifier, a fourth sensor, a fourth amplifier, a second analog-digital converter, a fifth sensor, a fifth amplifier, a third analog-digital converter, and a first connector. The first sensor is configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce a first analog signal indicative of the first physiological parameter. The first amplifier is configured to amplify the first analog signal. The second sensor is configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce a second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter. The second amplifier is configured to amplify the second analog signal. The first analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal and the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal. The third sensor is configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce a third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter. The third amplifier is configured to amplify the third analog signal. The fourth sensor is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce a fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fourth amplifier is configured to amplify the fourth analog signal. The second analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal and the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal. The fifth sensor is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce a fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. The fifth amplifier is configured to amplify the fifth analog signal. The third analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal. The first connector is configured to transmit the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the first connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second amplifier, the second sensor, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the fourth amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, and the third analog-digital converter and the first connector. The first amplifier, the first analog- digital converter, and the second amplifier may be integrated in a first combination circuit. The third amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, and the fourth amplifier may be integrated in a second combination circuit. The fifth amplifier and the third analog-digital converter may be integrated in a third combination circuit. The probe may further comprise a power regulator. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the second sensor, the second amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fourth amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second amplifier and the first analog- digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor, the first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, the second amplifier, the second sensor, the third sensor, the third amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, the fourth amplifier, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, the fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog- digital converter and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, and the power regulator may be integrated in a third combination circuit. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The processor is configured to process the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor. [0021] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of amplifiers, a first analog-digital converted, a second analog-digital converter, and a first connector. Each said sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter. Each said amplifier is configured to amplify the analog signal produced by one of said sensors. The first analog- digital converter is configured to convert a first amplified analog signal of the plurality of amplified analog signals into a first digital signal. The second analog-digital converter is configured to convert a second amplified analog signal of the plurality of amplified analog signals into a second digital signal and to convert a third amplified analog signal of the plurality of amplified analog signals into a third digital signal. The first connector is configured to transmit the digital signals. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, and the first analog-digital converter and the first connector. The third sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, and the first analog-digital converter and the first connector. The first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, and the second amplifier may be integrated in a first combination circuit. The third amplifier and the second analog-digital converter may be integrated in a second combination circuit. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog- digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the power converter, and the power converter and the first connector. The third amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, and the power regulator may be integrated in a second combination circuit. The probe may further comprise a third analog-digital converter configured to convert a fourth amplified analog signal of the plurality of amplified analog signals into a fourth digital signal and to convert a fifth amplified analog signal of the plurality of amplified analog signals into a fifth digital signal. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the third analog-digital converter, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the first analog- digital converter, and the first analog-digital converter and the first connector. The fifth sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The first sensor may comprise a pH sensor. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the third analog-digital converter, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog- digital converter of the plurality of analog-digital converters, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The first amplifier, the first analog-digital converter, and the second amplifier may be integrated in a first combination circuit. The third amplifier, the second analog-digital converter, and the fourth amplifier may be integrated in a second combination circuit. The fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter may be integrated in a third combination circuit. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensors, the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the third analog-digital converter, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter and the second amplifier, the second amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, and the first analog- digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, a first amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a second sensor of the plurality of sensors, a second amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the second analog-digital converter, a third sensor of the plurality of sensors, a third amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, a fourth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fourth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the third analog-digital converter, a fifth sensor of the plurality of sensors, a fifth amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, the first analog- digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible ircuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor and the first amplifier, the first amplifier and the second sensor, the second sensor and the second amplifier, the second analog-digital converter and the third sensor, the third sensor and the third amplifier, the third amplifier and the fourth sensor, the fourth sensor and the fourth amplifier, the fourth amplifier and the third analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter and the fifth sensor, the fifth sensor and the fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier and the first analog-digital converter, the first analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. The fifth amplifier, the third analog-digital converter, and the power regulator may be integrated in a third combination circuit. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module comprising a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the digital signals. The processor is configured to process the digital signals. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0022] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a sensor, an amplifier, an analog-digital converter, and a first connector. The sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter. The amplifier is configured to amplify an analog signal from the sensor. The analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal. The first connector is configured to transmit the digital signal. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the sensor, the amplifier, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the sensor, the amplifier, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the sensor and the amplifier, the amplifier and the analog-digital converter, and the analog-digital converter and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the sensor, the amplifier, the analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the sensor, the amplifier, the analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the sensor and the amplifier, the amplifier and the analog-digital converter, the analog-digital converter and the power regulator, and the power regulator and the first connector. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module a second connector, a processor, and a battery. The second connector is configured to receive the digital signal. The processor is configured to process the digital signal. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor.

[0023] In certain embodiments, a probe comprises a plurality of sensor arrays. Each said sensor array comprises a sensor configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter and an amplifier configured to amplify an analog signal from the sensor. The probe may be configured to slide though an insertion device. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays. The probe may further comprise an analog- digital converter configured to convert each of the amplified analog signals into a digital signal and a first connector configured to transmit the digital signals. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays, the analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays, the analog- digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. Each said sensor array may further comprise an analog-digital converter configured to convert an amplified analog signal from the amplifier into a digital signal and wherein the probe further comprises a first connector configured to transmit the digital signal. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays, the power regulator, and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a first analog-digital converter configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals into digital signals, a second analog-digital converter configured to convert others of the amplified analog signals into digital signals, and a first connector configured to transmit the digital signals. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog- digital converter, and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a third analog-digital converter configured to convert still others of the amplified analog signals into digital signals. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter, and the first connector. The probe may further comprise a power regulator configured to regulate power supplied by a battery. The probe may comprise an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the plurality of sensor arrays, the first analog-digital converter, the second analog-digital converter, the third analog-digital converter, the power regulator, and the first connector. In certain embodiments, a system for measuring physiological parameters comprises the probe and a display module. The probe may comprise a first connector configured to transmit probe signals. The display module may comprise a second connector configured to receive the probe signals. The display module may further comprise a processor configured to process the probe signals. The display module may further comprise a battery. The display module may further comprise a display device. The display module may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit processed probe signals to a remote monitor. The system may further comprise a remote monitor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate certain embodiments and not to limit the invention.

[0025] Figure 1A is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a system for ascertaining blood characteristics.

[0026] Figure IB is a block diagram schematically depicting an example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0029] Figure 4A is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0030] Figure 4B is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0031] Figure 4C is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an integrated flexible circuit sensor array.

[0032] Figure 4D is a perspective view of another example embodiment of an integrated flexible circuit sensor array.

[0033] Figure 5A is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0034] Figure 5B is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0035] Figure 6A is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0036] Figure 6B is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters.

[0037] Figure 6C is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an integrated flexible circuit sensor array of the probe of Figure 6B.

[0038] Illustration in dashed outline herein is intended only to clarify some of the possible embodiments being presented, and does not limit the embodiment. For example, not all features illustrated in dashed outline are necessarily required or optional for all embodiments, and features not illustrated in dashed outline may be required or optional in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Although certain embodiments and examples are described herein, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosed invention should not be limited by any particular embodiment(s) described herein.

[0040] Figure 1A illustrates an example embodiment of a system 10 for making intravascular measurements of physiological parameters or characteristics. The system 10 comprises a display module 12 and or more probes 18. As described in more detail herein, the display module 12 and the probe 18 are adapted for accurate and continuous in vivo measurement and display of body fluid parameters such as pressure, partial pressure of oxygen (p0₂), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pC0₂), pH, and temperature. In addition, cardiac output (CO) can be calculated by combining two p0₂ measurements obtained from a pair of probes 18, one disposed in an artery and the other in a vein. Alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned sensors, the probe 18 may include sensors for parameters such as potassium, sodium, calcium, bilirubin, hemoglobin/hematocrit, glucose, and lactate concentration and pressure. Additional features of example embodiments of the display module 12 and/or the probe 18 are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,616,614 and U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 10/658,926, 12/172,181, 12/552,081, and 12/704,386, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein.

[0041] The display module 12 comprises a housing 17 (e.g., comprising plastic). In some embodiments, the display module 12 is sized so that the display module 12 can be worn on the patient or subject, for example on the patient's wrist, arm, or other limb. The display module 12 further comprises a display device 13 (e.g., comprising a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or the like) configured to present one or more ascertained parameters and/or other information. The display device 13 is adapted to be readily visible to the attending medical professional or user. The display device 13 may include backlighting or other features to enhance the visibility of the display device 13.

[0042] In some embodiments, the display module further comprises an input device 16 (e.g., comprising buttons, keys, switches, trackball, touchscreen, etc.) to facilitate entry of instructions and/or viewing of data. In some embodiments, the display module 12 does not comprise an input device 16. In certain such embodiments, the display module 12 may automatically sequentially present different information on the display device 13 at a rate consistent with medical practice. For example, each screen of the display device 13 might appear for three seconds before being replaced by a subsequent screen. In some embodiments, the display module 12 includes wireless communications capability configured to transmit physiologic parameters for viewing on a remote display, and/or to facilitate entry of patient parameters or other information into the display module 12 from a remote input device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a band 14 coupled to the housing 17. The band 14 may be used to secure the display module 12 to the subject's wrist, arm, or to a location near the subject. If the subject is a newborn infant (neonate), the display module 12 may be strapped to the subject's torso. Other locations are also possible. In some embodiments, the band 17 comprises Velcro and/or elastic. In certain embodiments, the display module 12 comprises an adhesive or magnetic backing or a fastener (e.g., snap, hook, aperture, etc.) configured to attach the display module 12 to a location on or near the subject.

[0044] As described in further detail herein, the display module 12 may comprise electronic components configured to receive input from one or more probes 18 and to display information on the display device 13. In certain embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a processor, memory, and a bus system configured to provide communication between components of the display module 12. In some embodiments in which the display module 12 is part of a disposable kit, memory of the display module is pre-programmed with calibration values specific to the probe 18 of the kit. In some embodiments, the display module 12 comprises one or more display module connectors 15 for physical connection and communication with one or more probes 18. The display module connector 15 includes a receptacle adapted to receive, secure, and communicate with a corresponding connector on the proximal end of a probe 18. In some embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a wireless receiver (e.g., WiFi, RF, Bluetooth^®, and the like) for wireless connection and communication with one or more probes 18.

[0045] In some embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a power source (e.g., battery, solar panel) configured provide power to the display module 12 for at least the expected lifetime of the probe 18. In some embodiments, the display module 12 is powered by being plugged into an outlet in a wall or another medical device. Combinations and variations thereof are also possible (e.g., solar panel and battery backup, rechargeable battery and outlet, etc.).

[0046] In some embodiments, a sensor of a probe 18 may produce a weak analog signal. In certain such embodiments, the analog signal may be amplified by an amplifier and converted to a digital signal by an analog-digital converter. In some embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a processing board comprising a plurality of amplifiers and at least one analog-digital converter.

[0047] Figure IB is a block diagram schematically depicting an example embodiment of system 10 for measuring physiological parameters. The system 10 comprises a display module 12 and a probe 18. In some embodiments, the system comprises a remote monitor 19.

[0048] The probe 18 comprises a first sensor 101, a second sensor 102, a third sensor 103, a fourth sensor 104, a fifth sensor 105, and a connector 181. The first sensor 101 is configured to measure a first physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a first analog signal aj indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor 102 is configured to measure a second physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a second analog signal a₂ indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor 103 is configured to measure a third physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a third analog signal a₃ indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor 104 is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fourth analog signal a4 indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor 105 is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fifth analog signal a₅ indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. In some embodiments, one, plural, or all of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 may comprise the sensors described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/956,064, 10/658,926, 12/172,181, 12/704,386, and 12/704,408, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other sensors are also possible. The connector 181 is configured to transmit the first analog signal aj, the second analog signal a₂, the third analog signal a₃, the fourth analog signal a4, and the fifth analog signal a₅, for example to the connector 121 of the display module 12. Although five sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 are illustrated and described, the probe 18 may have more or fewer sensors. [0049] In some embodiments, the probe 18 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fifth sensor 105, and/or the fifth sensor 105 and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a H sensor.

[0050] The display module 12 comprises a connector 121, a plurality of amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and a first analog-digital converter 131. The connector 121 is configured to receive a plurality of analog signals (e.g., the analog signals a_ls a₂, a₃, a4, a₅). Each amplifier 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 is configured to amplify one analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_{l s} a₂, a₃, a4, a₅), thereby turning the analog signal into an amplified analog signal (e.g., the amplified analog signals A_ls A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅). In some embodiments, one or more of the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 may be designed specifically based on a specific analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_ls a₂, a₃, a^, a₅) and/or a specific type of sensor (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure). Although five amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 are illustrated and described, the display module 12 may have more or fewer amplifiers (e.g., based on the number of sensors in the probe 18).

[0051] The first analog-digital converter 131 is configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals (e.g., any or all of the analog signals A], A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅) into digital signals (e.g., the digital signals D_1; D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). The first analog-digital converter 131 may be configured to convert each of the amplified analog signals Ai, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ into a digital signal Dj, D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅. In some embodiments, the display module 12 optionally comprises a second analog-digital converter 132 configured to convert others of the amplified analog signals Ai, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ into digital signals Dj, D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅. For example, the first analog-digital converter 131 may be configured to convert the amplified first analog signal A_\ from the first amplifier 111 into a first digital signal Di, the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 112 into a second digital signal D₂, the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 113 into a third digital signal D₃, and the amplified fourth analog signal A₄ from the fourth amplifier 114 into a fourth digital signal D₄, and the second analog-digital converter 132 may be configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth sensor 105 or the proximal-most sensor into a digital signal D₅. A multiple analog-digital converter arrangement may be advantageous, for example, when one of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 (e.g., 105 or a proximal-most sensor) produces an analog signal with a high frequency (e.g., a pressure sensor). In certain such embodiments, for example, one analog-digital can be configured to handle relatively intermittent signals and another analog-digital converter can be configured to handle a more continuous signal.

[0052] In some embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a processor 124 configured to process digital signals (e.g., one or more of the digital signals D_ls D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). In certain embodiments, the display module 12 optionally comprises a display device 125 (e.g., comprising an LCD screen, an OLED screen, or the like) and the processor 124 is configured to transmit processed digital signals to the display device 125. In some embodiments, the display device 125 is configured to present one or more ascertained parameters and/or other information. In some embodiments, the display device 125 is adapted to be readily visible to the attending medical professional or user. In some embodiments, the display device 125 includes backlighting or other features to enhance the visibility of the display device 125. In certain embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a transmitter 126 configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor 19 (e.g., comprising a display device) via a wire or wirelessly (e.g., via radio frequency, 802.1 lx, WAN, LAN, Bluetooth, or the like). In some embodiments, the display module 12 comprises a battery 123 and a power regulator 122 configured to regulate power supplied by the battery 123. In certain such embodiments, the power regulator 122 may provide substantially steady voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 18 and the connector 121 of the display module 12), the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 1 15, the analog-digital converters 131, 132, the processor 124, the display device 125, and/or the transmitter 126. [0053] In some embodiments, some components of the display module 12 may be on a first processing board and other components of the display module 12 may be on a second processing board. For example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 111, 1 12, 113, 114, 115 and the analog-digital converter 131 and the second processing board may comprise the processor 124, the power regulator 122, and the battery 123. For another example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, the first analog-digital converter 131, and the second analog-digital converter 132, and the second processing board may comprise the processor 124, the power regulator 122, and the battery 123. For another example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 1 11, 112, 113, 114, 115, the first analog-digital converter 131, and the power regulator 122, and the second processing board may comprise the processor 124 and the battery 123. For another example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 1 11, 112, 113, 1 14, 115, the first analog-digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the power regulator 122, and the second processing board may comprise the processor 124 and the battery 123.

[0054] In some embodiments, the probe 18 and the display module 12 may be hard-wired together. In certain such embodiments, the system illustrated in Figure IB, for example, would not comprise connectors 181, 121 in the probe 18 and the display module 12. In certain embodiments, the distal end of the probe 18 may be configured to slide through an insertion device (e.g., a catheter or a needle, for example having a size less than or equal to about 20 gauge), but the proximal end, which is hard- wired to the display module 12, may not be able to slide through an insertion device. In certain such embodiments, a split-sheath catheter may be used.

[0055] In some embodiments, the probe 18 is configured (e.g., dimensioned) to slide though an insertion device (e.g., a catheter or a needle, for example having a size less than or equal to about 20 gauge). As an example, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/027,898, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a probe comprising a proximal end comprising substantially flush electrical contacts and/or a substantially smooth cylindrical surface. In certain such embodiments, an insertion device may advantageously slide off the proximal end of the probe 18 after the distal end is positioned in a patient.

[0056] In certain embodiments, a method of using the system comprises inserting a needle (e.g., a 20 gauge needle) into the vasculature of a patient, inserting a guidewire into the needle, removing the needle, positioning a catheter over the guidewire, removing the guidewire, inserting a probe having a proximal and a distal end into the catheter distal-end first, and removing the catheter. In some embodiments, removing the catheter comprises sliding the catheter off the proximal end of the probe. In some embodiments, the method further comprises inserting the proximal end of the probe into a display module.

[0057] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals a_1; a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the display module 12 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals (e.g., wires coming from an amplifier not crossing or being proximate to wires coming from other amplifier, for example the amplifiers surrounding the analog-digital converter), for example by locating one or more analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifiers, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of amplified analog signals.

[0058] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the probe 18 (e.g., comprising the connector 181) may be contaminated by a contaminant, for example by blood from the patient. Some contaminants may interfere with one or more of the analog signals a_1} a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅ (e.g., by affecting the electrical resistance between the connector 181 of the probe 18 and the connector 121 of the display module 12), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter.

[0059] At least one aspect of the present invention is the realization that digital signals may be less prone to signal quality changes, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration than analog signals, and that eliminating an analog connection between the probe 18 and the display module 12 can enhance signal accuracy and increase the accuracy of the reading of the physiological parameter.

[0060] In certain embodiments, some electronic components (e.g., amplifiers and/or analog-digital converters) may be moved from the display module into an intermediate electronics unit. The electronics unit may convert analog signals (e.g., amplified analog signals) into digital signals. In certain such embodiments, the path length of the analog signals may be reduced from the distance between the probe and the display unit to the distance between the probe and the electronics unit. The electronics unit may be outside the body of a patient, but proximate to the probe.

[0061] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters. The system comprises a display module 300, a probe 18, and an electronics unit 200. In some embodiments, the system comprises a remote monitor 19 (see Figure IB).

[0062] The probe 18 comprises a first sensor 101, a second sensor 102, a third sensor 103, a fourth sensor 104, a fifth sensor 105, and a connector 106. The first sensor 101 is configured to measure a first physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a first analog signal a} indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor 102 is configured to measure a second physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a second analog signal a₂ indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor 103 is configured to measure a third physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a third analog signal a₃ indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor 104 is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fourth analog signal aj indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor 105 is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fifth analog signal a₅ indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. In some embodiments, one, plural, or all of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 may comprise the sensors described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/956,064, 10/658,926, 12/172,181, 12/704,386, and 12/704,408, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other sensors are also possible. The connector 181 is configured to transmit the first analog signal a._\, the second analog signal a₂, the third analog signal a₃, the fourth analog signal a₄, and the fifth analog signal a₅, for example to the connector 201 of the electronics unit 200. Although five sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 are illustrated and described, the probe 18 may have more or fewer sensors.

[0063] In some embodiments, the probe 18 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fifth sensor 105, and/or the fifth sensor 105 and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0064] The electronics unit 200 comprises a first connector 201, a plurality of amplifiers 1 11, 112, 113, 1 14, 115, and a first analog-digital converter 131. The connector 201 is configured to receive a plurality of analog signals (e.g., the analog signals aj, a₂, a₃, a4, a₅). In some embodiments, the electronics unit 200 comprises a second connector 202 configured to transmit a plurality of digital signals (e.g., the digital signals D_ls D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). Each amplifier 111, 1 12, 113, 1 14, 115 may be configured to amplify one analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_ls a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅), thereby turning the analog signal into an amplified analog signal (e.g., the amplified analog signals Ai, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅). In some embodiments, one or more of the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 may be designed specifically based on a specific analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_{] ;} a₂, a₃, a^ a₅) and/or a specific type of sensor (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure). Although five amplifiers 111, 112, 1 13, 1 14, 115 are illustrated and described, the electronics unit 200 may have more or fewer amplifiers (e.g., based on the number of sensors in the probe 18).

[0065] The first analog-digital converter 131 is configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals (e.g., any or all of the analog signals A], A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅) into digital signals (e.g., the digital signals Di, D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). The first analog-digital converter 131 may be configured to convert each of the amplified analog signals Aj, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ into a digital signal D_1; D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅. In some embodiments, the electronics unit 200 optionally comprises a second analog-digital converter 132 configured to convert others of the amplified analog signals A_l5 A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ into digital signals D_ls D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅. For example, the first analog-digital converter 131 may be configured to convert the amplified first analog signal A] from the first amplifier 1 11 into a first digital signal Dj, the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 1 12 into a second digital signal D₂, the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 113 into a third digital signal D₃, and the amplified fourth analog signal A4 from the fourth amplifier 114 into a fourth digital signal D₄, and the second analog-digital converter 132 may be configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth sensor 105 or the proximal-most sensor into a digital signal D₅. A multiple analog-digital converter arrangement may be advantageous, for example, when one of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 (e.g., 105 or a proximal-most sensor) produces an analog signal with a high frequency (e.g., a pressure sensor). In certain such embodiments, for example, one analog-digital can be configured to handle relatively intermittent signals and another analog-digital converter can be configured to handle a more continuous signal.

[0066] In some embodiments, the electronics unit 200 comprises a power regulator 122 configured to regulate power supplied by a battery (e.g., the battery 323 of the display module 300). In certain such embodiments, the power regulator 122 may provide substantially steady voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 18 and the connector 201 of the electronics unit 200), the amplifiers 1 11, 112, 113, 114, 115, the analog-digital converters 131, 132, and even the processor 324 of the display module 300 (e.g., via the connector 202 of the electronics unit 200 and the connector 301 of the display module 300) or other components (e.g., a display device, a transmitter, etc.).

[0067] The display module 300 comprises a connector 301 and a processor 324. The connector 301 is configured to receive a plurality of digital signals (e.g., the digital signals D_l5 D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). The processor 324 configured to process digital signals (e.g., one or more of the digital signals D_1; D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). In certain embodiments, the display module 300 optionally comprises a display device (see Figure IB) (e.g., comprising an LCD screen, an OLED screen, or the like) and the processor 324 is configured to transmit processed digital signals to the display device. In some embodiments, the display device is configured to present one or more ascertained parameters and/or other information. In some embodiments, the display device is adapted to be readily visible to the attending medical professional or user. In some embodiments, the display device includes backlighting or other features to enhance the visibility of the display device. In certain embodiments, the display module comprises a transmitter (see Figure IB) configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor (e.g., comprising a display device) via a wire or wirelessly (e.g., via radio frequency, 802.1 lx, WAN, LAN, Bluetooth, or the like). In some embodiments, the display module 300 comprises a battery 323. In certain such embodiments, the battery 323, for example after regulation in the power regulator 122, may provide voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 18 and the connector 201 of the electronics unit 200), the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, the analog-digital converters 131, 132, and even the processor 324 of the display module 300 (e.g., via the connector 202 of the electronics unit 200 and the connector 301 of the display module 300) or other components (e.g., a display device, a transmitter, etc.).

[0068] In some embodiments, some components of the electronics unit 200 may be on a first processing board and other components of the electronics unit 200 may be on a second processing board. For example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 and the analog-digital converter 131 and the second processing board may comprise the power regulator 122. For another example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, the first analog-digital converter 131, and the second analog-digital converter 132, and the second processing board may comprise power regulator 122. For another example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and the second processing board may comprise the first analog-digital converter 131 and the power regulator 122. For another example, the first processing board may comprise the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, the first analog-digital converter 131, and the second processing board may comprise the second analog-digital converter 132 and the power regulator 122.

[0069] In some embodiments, the probe 18 and the electronics unit 200 may be hard-wired together. In certain such embodiments, the system illustrated in Figure 2, for example, would not comprise connectors in the probe 18 and the electronics unit 200. In certain embodiments, the distal end of the probe 18 may be configured to slide through an insertion device (e.g., a catheter or a needle, for example having a size less than or equal to about 20 gauge), but the proximal end, which is hard- wired to the electronics unit 200, may not be able to slide through an insertion device. In certain such embodiments, a split-sheath catheter may be used.

[0070] In some embodiments, the probe 18 is configured (e.g., dimensioned) to slide though an insertion device (e.g., a catheter or a needle, for example having a size less than or equal to about 20 gauge). As an example, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/027,898, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a probe comprising a proximal end comprising substantially flush electrical contacts and/or a substantially smooth cylindrical surface. In certain such embodiments, an insertion device may advantageously slide off the proximal end of the probe 18 after the distal end is positioned in a patient.

[0071] In certain embodiments, a method of using the system comprises inserting a needle (e.g., a 20 gauge needle, split needle, needle with a split sheath catheter, etc.) into the vasculature of a patient, removing the needle (e.g., except for the split needle), inserting a probe having a proximal and a distal end into the catheter, and removing the catheter and/or split needle. In some embodiments, removing the catheter comprises sliding the catheter off the proximal end of the probe. In some embodiments, the method further comprises inserting the proximal end of the probe into an electronics unit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises connecting the electronics unit to a display module (e.g., via connectors).

[0072] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals aj, a₂, a₃, a₄, a may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the electronics unit 200 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals (e.g., wires coming from an amplifier not crossing or being proximate to wires coming from other amplifier, for example the amplifiers surrounding the analog-digital converter) , for example by locating one or more analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifiers, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of amplified analog signals.

[0073] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the probe 18 (e.g., comprising the connector 181) may be contaminated by a contaminant, for example by blood from the patient. Some contaminants may interfere with one or more of the analog signals a_\, a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅ (e.g., by affecting the electrical resistance between the connector 181 of the probe 18 and the connector 201 of the electronics unit 200), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter.

[0074] At least one aspect of the present invention is the realization that a hardwired connection between the probe 18 and the electronics unit 200 can reduce the possibility of an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter, and that such a system can be used with a split-sheath catheter or the like. [0075] In certain embodiments, the possibility of an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter may be further reduced by moving some electronic components (e.g., amplifiers and/or analog-digital converters) from the electronics unit into the probe. The probe may convert analog signals (e.g., amplified analog signals) into digital signals. In certain such embodiments, the path length of the analog signals may be reduced from the distance between the probe and the electronics unit to the distance between the sensor and the amplifier within the probe. In certain such embodiments, the probe may be configured to slide through an insertion device (e.g., a catheter or a needle, for example having a size less than or equal to about 20 gauge). As an example, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/027,898, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a probe comprising a proximal end comprising substantially flush electrical contacts and/or a substantially smooth cylindrical surface. In certain such embodiments, an insertion device may advantageously slide off the proximal end of the probe after the distal end is positioned in a patient without the use of a split sheath catheter.

[0076] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of system for measuring physiological parameters. The system comprises a display module 300 and a probe 400. In some embodiments, the system comprises a remote monitor 19 (see Figure IB).

[0077] The probe 400 comprises a first sensor 101, a second sensor 102, a third sensor 103, a fourth sensor 104, a fifth sensor 105, a first amplifier 111, a second amplifier 112, a third amplifier 113, a fourth amplifier 114, a fifth amplifier 115, an analog-digital converter 131, and a connector 181.

[0078] The first sensor 101 is configured to measure a first physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a first analog signal aj indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor 102 is configured to measure a second physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a second analog signal a₂ indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor 103 is configured to measure a third physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a third analog signal a₃ indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor 104 is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fourth analog signal a4 indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor 105 is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fifth analog signal a₅ indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. In some embodiments, one, plural, or all of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 may comprise the sensors described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/956,064, 10/658,926, 12/172,181, 12/704,386, and 12/704,408, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other sensors are also possible. The connector 181 is configured to transmit the first analog signal a_l5 the second analog signal a₂, the third analog signal a₃, the fourth analog signal a4, and the fifth analog signal a₅, for example to the connector 301 of the display module 300. Although five sensors 101 , 102, 103, 104, 105 are illustrated and described, the probe 400 may have more or fewer sensors.

[0079] Each amplifier 1 11, 112, 113, 114, 115 is configured to amplify one analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_1} a₂, a₃, a , a₅), thereby turning the analog signal into an amplified analog signal (e.g., the amplified analog signals Ai, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅). In some embodiments, one or more of the amplifiers 111, 1 12, 1 13, 1 14, 115 may be designed specifically based on a specific analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals ai, a₂, a₃, 84, a₅) and/or a specific type of sensor (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure). Although five amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 1 15 are illustrated and described, the probe 400 may have more or fewer amplifiers (e.g., based on the number of sensors in the probe 400).

[0080] The analog-digital converter 131 is configured to convert the amplified analog signals Aj, A₂, A₃, A4, A₅ into the digital signals D_{l a} D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅. For example, the analog-digital converter 131 may be configured to convert the amplified first analog signal Ai from the first amplifier 111 into a first digital signal Dj, the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 1 12 into a second digital signal D₂, the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 1 13 into a third digital signal D₃, the amplified fourth analog signal A₄ from the fourth amplifier 114 into a fourth digital signal D₄, and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth sensor 105 or the proximal-most sensor into a digital signal D₅.

[0081] In some embodiments, the probe 400 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 111, the second amplifier 1 12, the third amplifier 113, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth amplifier 115, the analog- digital converter 131, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 1 11, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the analog- digital converter 122, and the connector 181. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 111, the first amplifier 1 11 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 112, the second amplifier 112 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 113, the third amplifier 113 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth amplifier 114 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth amplifier 115 and the analog-digital converter 131, and the analog-digital converter 131 and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0082] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals a_l5 a₂, a₃, a4, a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the probe 400 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals (e.g., by positioning the analog-digital converter 131 in a central portion of the distal end of the probe 400 and/or by reducing the path length of the analog signals and/or amplified analog signals). In some embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the analog-digital converter 131, the second amplifier 112, the second sensor 102, the third amplifier 113, the third sensor 103, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth amplifier 1 15, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. In certain such embodiments, the first analog signal ai from the first sensor 101 and the amplified first analog signal Ai from the first amplifier 111 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap. In some embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 1 12, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 114, the analog-digital converter 131, the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. In certain such embodiments, the fifth analog signal a₅ from the fifth sensor 105 and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 112 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal aj, a₂, a₃, a4 or an amplified analog signal Aj, A₂, A₃, A₄ from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap. In some embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the analog-digital converter 131, the third amplifier 113, the third sensor 103, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 1 12, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the analog-digital converter 131, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth sensor 105, and the connector 181. In certain such embodiments, the analog signals and the amplified analog signals experience less cross-talk than in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 because the circuit paths have less overlap. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between two or more electronic components.

[0083] In some embodiments, the probe 400 comprises a power regulator 122 configured to regulate power supplied by a battery (e.g., the battery 323 of the display module 300). In certain such embodiments, the power regulator 122 may provide substantially steady voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, the analog-digital converter 131, and even the processor 324 of the display module 300 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 400 and the connector 301 of the display module 300) or other components (e.g., a display device, a transmitter, etc.).

[0084] In some embodiments, the probe 400 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 111, the second amplifier 112, the third amplifier 113, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth amplifier 115, the analog- digital converter 131, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the analog-digital converter 131, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 111, the first amplifier 111 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 112, the second amplifier 112 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 113, the third amplifier 113 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth amplifier 114 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth amplifier 115 and the analog-digital converter 131, the analog-digital converter 131 and the power regulator 122, and the power regulator 122 and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor. For example as described herein, of the components in the probe 400 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals (e.g., by positioning the analog-digital converter 131 in a central portion of the distal end of the probe 400).

[0085] In some embodiments, the analog-digital converter 131 is configured to convert five amplified analog signals (e.g., the amplified analog signals A_1? A₂, A₃, A , A₅) into five digital signals (e.g., the digital signals D_{l s} D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). In certain such embodiments, the analog-digital converter 131 comprises a multiple channel analog-digital converter (e.g., an 8-channel analog-digital converter, a 16-channel analog-digital converter, etc.) in order to be able to handle each of the individual signals. Certain multiple channel analog-digital converters have issues such as a large size (e.g., making sliding through an insertion device such as a 20 gauge needle difficult), non-utilization of channels (e.g., wasting size and money), being prone to interference for incoming analog signals due to length and/or positioning of signal traces (e.g., resulting in inaccurate reading of physiological parameters), etc.

[0086] In some embodiments, a probe comprises an analog-digital converter (e.g., a single channel analog-digital converter) for each amplifier and/or for each sensor. In certain such embodiments, some of the problems associated with multiple channel analog-digital converters, for example as described herein (e.g., size, non-utilization of channels), may be avoided.

[0087] Figures 4A and 4B are each a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters. The systems each comprise a display module 300 and a probe 410, 420. In some embodiments, each of the systems comprises a remote monitor 19 (see Figure IB).

[0088] The probe 410, 420 comprises a first sensor 101, a second sensor 102, a third sensor 103, a fourth sensor 104, a fifth sensor 105, a first amplifier 111, a second amplifier 112, a third amplifier 113, a fourth amplifier 114, a fifth amplifier 115, a first analog-digital converter 131, a second analog-digital converter 132, a third analog-digital converter 133, a fourth analog-digital converter 134, a fifth analog-digital converter 135, and a connector 181.

[0089] The first sensor 101 is configured to measure a first physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a first analog signal aj indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor 102 is configured to measure a second physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a second analog signal a₂ indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor 103 is configured to measure a third physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a third analog signal a₃ indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor 104 is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fourth analog signal a4 indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor 105 is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fifth analog signal a₅ indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. In some embodiments, one, plural, or all of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 may comprise the sensors described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/956,064, 10/658,926, 12/172,181, 12/704,386, and 12/704,408, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other sensors are also possible. The connector 181 is configured to transmit the first analog signal a_{l 5} the second analog signal a₂, the third analog signal a₃, the fourth analog signal a₄, and the fifth analog signal a₅, for example to the connector 301 of the display module 300. Although five sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 are illustrated and described, the probe 410, 420 may have more or fewer sensors. [0090] Each amplifier 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 is configured to amplify one analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_l5 a₂, a₃, a4, a₅), thereby turning the analog signal into an amplified analog signal (e.g., the amplified analog signals A , A₂, A₃, A , A₅). In some embodiments, one or more of the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 1 15 may be designed specifically based on a specific analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_l5 a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅) and/or a specific type of sensor (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure). Although five amplifiers 111, 1 12, 113, 114, 115 are illustrated and described, the probe 400 may have more or fewer amplifiers (e.g., based on the number of sensors in the probe 400).

[0091] Each analog-digital converter 131, 132, 133, 134, 135 is configured to convert the amplified analog signals A_l5 A₂, A3, A₄, A₅ into the digital signals Di, D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅. For example, the first analog-digital converter 131 may be configured to convert the amplified first analog signal A_\ from the first amplifier 1 11 into a first digital signal D_ls the second analog-digital converter 132 may be configured to convert the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 112 into a second digital signal D₂, the third analog-digital converter 133 may be configured to convert the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 113 into a third digital signal D₃, the fourth analog-digital converter 134 may be configured to convert the amplified fourth analog signal A₄ from the fourth amplifier 114 into a fourth digital signal D₄, and the fifth analog-digital converter 135 may be configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 or the proximal-most amplifier into a fifth digital signal D₅.

[0092] In some embodiments, the probe 400 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 11 1, the second amplifier 1 12, the third amplifier 1 13, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth amplifier 1 15, the first analog- digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, the third analog-digital converter 133, the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fifth analog-digital converter 135, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the first analog-digital converter

131, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the second analog-digital converter

132, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the third analog-digital converter 133, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 1 14, the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth analog-digital converter 135, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figures 4A and 4C). In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 111, the first amplifier 111 and the first analog-digital converter 131, the first analog-digital converter 131 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 112, the second amplifier 112 and the second analog- digital converter 132, the second analog-digital converter 132 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 113, the third amplifier 113 and the third analog- digital converter 133, the third analog-digital converter 133 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth amplifier 114 and the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fourth analog-digital converter 134 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth amplifier 115 and the fifth analog- digital converter 135, and the fifth analog-digital converter 135 and the connector 181 (e.g., the flexible portions 151, 152, 153, 154 as illustrated in Figure 4D). In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0093] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals aj, a₂, a₃, &4, a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the probe 410, 420 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals, for example by locating the analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifier and/or analog sensor, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of analog signals and/or amplified analog signals. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 1 11, the first analog-digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, the second amplifier 112, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the third analog-digital converter 133, the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth analog-digital converter 135, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 4B). In certain such embodiments, the first analog signal a_! from the first sensor 101 and the amplified first analog signal A] from the first amplifier 111 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A₂, A3, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the analog signal a₂ from the second sensor 102 and the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 112 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_l9 a₃, 84, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_ls A3, A4, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the third analog signal a3 from the third sensor 103 and the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 113 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_l5 a₂, a₄, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_l5 A₂, A4, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fourth analog signal from the fourth sensor 104 and the amplified fourth analog signal A4 from the fourth amplifier 114 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_ls a₂, a3, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_l5 A₂, A3, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fifth analog signal a₅ from the fifth sensor 105 and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_1; a₂, a3, 84 or an amplified analog signal A_ls A₂, A3, A₄ from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between two or more electronic components.

[0094] In some embodiments, the probe 410, 420 comprises a power regulator 122 configured to regulate power supplied by a battery (e.g., the battery 323 of the display module 300). In certain such embodiments, the power regulator 122 may provide substantially steady voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, the analog-digital converters 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and even the processor 324 of the display module 300 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 410, 420 and the connector 301 of the display module 300) or other components (e.g., a display device, a transmitter, etc.).

[0095] In some embodiments, the probe 410, 420 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 11 1, the second amplifier 112, the third amplifier 113, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth amplifier 1 15, the first analog- digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, the third analog-digital converter 133, the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fifth analog-digital converter 135, the power regulator 122, and the connector Connector. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the first analog-digital converter 131, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the second analog-digital converter 132, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the third analog- digital converter 133, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth analog-digital converter 135, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figures 4A and 4C). In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 111, the first amplifier 1 1 1 and the first analog-digital converter 131, the first analog-digital converter 131 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 112, the second amplifier 112 and the second analog-digital converter 132, the second analog-digital converter 132 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 113, the third amplifier 113 and the third analog-digital converter 133, the third analog-digital converter 133 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth amplifier 114 and the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fourth analog-digital converter 134 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth amplifier 115 and the fifth analog-digital converter 135, and the fifth analog-digital converter 135 and the power regulator 122, and the power regulator 122 and the connector 181 (e.g., the flexible portions 151, 152, 153, 154 as illustrated in Figure 4D). In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0096] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals aj, a₂, a₃, a , a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the probe 410, 420 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals, for example by locating the analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifier and/or analog sensor, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of analog signals. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 1 11, the first analog-digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, the second amplifier 112, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 1 13, the third analog-digital converter 133, the fourth analog-digital converter 134, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth analog-digital converter 135, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 4B). In certain such embodiments, the first analog signal a.\ from the first sensor 101 and the amplified first analog signal A] from the first amplifier 111 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a₂, a₃, a4, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A₂, A₃, A4, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the analog signal a₂ from the second sensor 102 and the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 112 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_l5 a₃, a^ a₅ or an amplified analog signal A], A3, A4, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the third analog signal a₃ from the third sensor 103 and the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 1 13 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_ls a₂, a^, a₅ or an amplified analog signal Aj, A₂, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fourth analog signal a₄ from the fourth sensor 104 and the amplified fourth analog signal A₄ from the fourth amplifier 114 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_{1 }} a₂, a₃, a₅ or an amplified analog signal Aj, A₂, A3, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fifth analog signal a₅ from the fifth sensor 105 and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_{1 }} a₂, a₃, a4 or an amplified analog signal Aj, A₂, A3, A₄ from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between two or more electronic components.

[0097] In some embodiments, the analog-digital converters 131, 132, 133, 134, 135 are each configured to be individually addressable, for example by being specially designed. In certain such embodiments, the specially designed analog-digital converters may be specially designed with an integrated amplifier in a combination circuit, as described in more detail herein. In certain embodiments, a plurality of single channel analog-digital converters (e.g., four analog-digital converters) may be more expensive than a single multiple channel analog-digital converter (e.g., a 4-channel analog-digital converter).

[0098] In some embodiments, a probe comprises a multiple channel analog-digital converter (e.g., a 4-channel analog-digital converter) and a single channel analog-digital converter. In certain such embodiments, some of the problems associated with both multiple channel analog-digital converters and single channel analog-digital converters, for example as described herein (e.g., individual addressability, cost, non-utilization of channels, size), may be avoided. In certain such embodiments, the single channel analog-digital converter may be configured to handle an analog signal with a high frequency (e.g., a pressure sensor) and the multiple channel analog-digital converted may be configured to handle relatively intermittent signals.

[0099] Figures 5A and 5B are each a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters. The systems each comprise a display module 300 and a probe 430, 440. In some embodiments, each of the systems comprises a remote monitor 19 (see Figure IB).

[0100] The probe 430, 440 comprises a first sensor 101, a second sensor 102, a third sensor 103, a fourth sensor 104, a fifth sensor 105, a first amplifier 111, a second amplifier 112, a third amplifier 113, a fourth amplifier 114, a fifth amplifier 115, a first analog-digital converter 131 (e.g., a multiple channel analog-digital converter), a second analog-digital converter 132 (e.g., a single channel analog-digital converter), and a connector 181.

[0101] The first sensor 101 is configured to measure a first physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a first analog signal a₁ indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor 102 is configured to measure a second physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a second analog signal a₂ indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor 103 is configured to measure a third physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a third analog signal a₃ indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor 104 is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fourth analog signal a4 indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor 105 is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fifth analog signal a indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. In some embodiments, one, plural, or all of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 may comprise the sensors described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/956,064, 10/658,926, 12/172,181, 12/704,386, and 12/704,408, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other sensors are also possible. The connector 181 is configured to transmit the first analog signal aj, the second analog signal a₂, the third analog signal a₃, the fourth analog signal and the fifth analog signal a₅, for example to the connector 301 of the display module 300. Although five sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 are illustrated and described, the probe 430, 440 may have more or fewer sensors.

[0102] Each amplifier 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 is configured to amplify one analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_ls a₂, a₃, a4, a₅), thereby turning the analog signal into an amplified analog signal (e.g., the amplified analog signals Aj, A₂, A₃, A , A₅). In some embodiments, one or more of the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 may be designed specifically based on a specific analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_l5 a₂, a₃, a4, a₅) and/or a specific type of sensor (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure). Although five amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 are illustrated and described, the probe 430, 440 may have more or fewer amplifiers (e.g., based on the number of sensors in the probe 430, 440).

[0103] The first analog-digital converter 131 is configured to convert the amplified analog signals A_ls A₂, A₃, A₄ into the digital signals Dj, D₂, D₃, D₄. For example, the first analog-digital converter 131 may be configured to convert the amplified first analog signal from the first amplifier 111 into a first digital signal Dj, the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 1 12 into a second digital signal D₂, the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 113 into a third digital signal D₃, and the amplified fourth analog signal A from the fourth amplifier 114 into a fourth digital signal D₄. The second analog-digital converter 132 may be configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 or the proximal-most amplifier into a fifth digital signal D₅.

[0104] In some embodiments, the probe 430, 440 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 1 11, the second amplifier 112, the third amplifier 113, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth amplifier 115, the first analog- digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 1 14, the first analog-digital converter 131, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 5A). In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 1 1 1, the first amplifier 1 1 1 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 1 12, the second amplifier 112 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 113, the third amplifier 1 13 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 1 14, the fourth amplifier 1 14 and the first analog-digital converter 131 , the first analog-digital converter 131 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 1 15, the fifth amplifier 115 and the second analog-digital converter 132, and the second analog-digital converter 132 and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0105] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals aj, a₂, a₃, eui, a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the probe 430, 440 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals, for example by locating one or more analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifier and/or analog sensor, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of analog signals. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101 , the first amplifier 1 1 1 , the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 1 12, the first analog- digital converter 131, the third amplifier 1 13, the third sensor 103, the fourth amplifier 1 14, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 1 15, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 5B). In certain such embodiments, the fifth analog signal a₅ from the fifth sensor 105 and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 1 15 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_l5 a₂, a₃, a₄ or an amplified analog signal Ai, A₂, A₃, A₄ from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap, and the analog signals a_{1 ;} a₂, a₃, a₄ and an amplified analog signal A_1; A₂, A₃, A₄ may experience less cross-talk with an analog signal or an amplified analog signal from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths overlap less. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between two or more electronic components.

[0106] In some embodiments, the probe 430, 440 comprises a power regulator 122 configured to regulate power supplied by a battery (e.g., the battery 323 of the display module 300). In certain such embodiments, the power regulator 122 may provide substantially steady voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, the amplifiers 111, 1 12, 113, 114, 115, the analog-digital converters 131, 132, and even the processor 324 of the display module 300 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 430, 440 and the connector 301 of the display module 300) or other components (e.g., a display device, a transmitter, etc.).

[0107] In some embodiments, the probe 430, 440 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 111, the second amplifier 112, the third amplifier 1 13, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth amplifier 115, the first analog- digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 114, the first analog-digital converter 131, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 1 15, the second analog-digital converter 132, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 5A). In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 111, the first amplifier 1 11 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 1 12, the second amplifier 112 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 1 13, the third amplifier 1 13 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 1 14, the fourth amplifier 114 and the first analog-digital converter 131, the first analog-digital converter 131 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 1 15, the fifth amplifier 1 15 and the second analog-digital converter 132, the second analog-digital converter 132 and the power regulator 122, and the power regulator 122 and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0108] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals a_l5 a₂, a₃, a4, a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the probe 430, 440 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals, for example by locating one or more analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifier and/or analog sensor, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of analog signals. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the first analog- digital converter 131, the third amplifier 113, the third sensor 103, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the second analog-digital converter 132, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 5B). In certain such embodiments, the fifth analog signal a₅ from the fifth sensor 105 and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_ls a₂, a₃, a₄ or an amplified analog signal A_ls A₂, A3, A₄ from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap, and the analog signals aj, a₂, a₃, 84 and an amplified analog signal A_\, A₂, A3, A₄ may experience less cross-talk with an analog signal or an amplified analog signal from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths overlap less. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between two or more electronic components.

[0109] In some embodiments, a probe comprises a plurality of multiple channel analog-digital converters (e.g., 2-channel analog-digital converters) and a single channel analog-digital converter. In certain such embodiments, some of the problems associated with both multiple channel analog-digital converters and single channel analog-digital converters, for example as described herein (e.g., individual addressability, cost, non-utilization of channels, size), may be avoided. For example, in comparison to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, certain such embodiments may further reduce possible issues related to the size of multiple channel analog-digital converters. [0110] At least one aspect of the present invention is the realization that 2-channel analog-digital converters are generally not prohibitively larger than single channel analog- digital converters, that 2-channel analog-digital converters are intrinsically individually addressable, and that the cost of two 2-channel analog-digital converters is not prohibitively larger than the cost of one 4-channel analog-digital converter.

[0111] Figures 6A and 6B are each a block diagram schematically depicting another example embodiment of a system for measuring physiological parameters. The systems each comprise a display module 300 and a probe 450, 460. In some embodiments, each of the systems comprises a remote monitor (see Figure IB).

[0112] The probe 450, 460 comprises a first sensor 101, a second sensor 102, a third sensor 103, a fourth sensor 104, a fifth sensor 105, a first amplifier 111, a second amplifier 112, a third amplifier 113, a fourth amplifier 114, a fifth amplifier 1 15, a first analog-digital converter 131 (e.g., a 2-channel analog-digital converter), a second analog- digital converter 132 (e.g., a 2-channel analog-digital converter), a third analog-digital converter 133 (e.g., a single channel analog-digital converter), and a connector 181.

[0113] The first sensor 101 is configured to measure a first physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a first analog signal a} indicative of the first physiological parameter. The second sensor 102 is configured to measure a second physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a second analog signal a₂ indicative of the second physiological parameter. The third sensor 103 is configured to measure a third physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a third analog signal a₃ indicative of the third physiological parameter. The fourth sensor 104 is configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fourth analog signal a-t indicative of the fourth physiological parameter. The fifth sensor 105 is configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure) and to produce a fifth analog signal a₅ indicative of the fifth physiological parameter. In some embodiments, one, plural, or all of the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 may comprise the sensors described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/956,064, 10/658,926, 12/172,181, 12/704,386, and 12/704,408, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other sensors are also possible. The connector 181 is configured to transmit the first analog signal a_ls the second analog signal a₂, the third analog signal a₃, the fourth analog signal a , and the fifth analog signal a₅, for example to the connector 301 of the display module 300. Although five sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 are illustrated and described, the probe 450, 460 may have more or fewer sensors.

[0114] Each amplifier 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 is configured to amplify one analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_ls a₂, a₃, a_j, a₅), thereby turning the analog signal into an amplified analog signal (e.g., the amplified analog signals A_l5 A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅). In some embodiments, one or more of the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 may be designed specifically based on a specific analog signal (e.g., one of the analog signals a_l5 a₂, a₃, a₄, a₅) and/or a specific type of sensor (e.g., p0₂, pC0₂, pH, temperature, pressure). Although five amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 are illustrated and described, the probe 450, 460 may have more or fewer amplifiers (e.g., based on the number of sensors in the probe 450, 460).

[0115] The first analog-digital converter 131 is configured to convert the amplified analog signals A_l5 A₂, into the digital signals D_ls D₂. For example, the first analog- digital converter 131 may be configured to convert the amplified first analog signal A_\ from the first amplifier 111 into a first digital signal Di and the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 112 into a second digital signal D₂. The second analog-digital converter 132 is configured to convert the amplified analog signals A₃, A₄, into the digital signals D₃, D₄. For example, the second analog-digital converter 132 may be configured to convert the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 113 into a third digital signal D₃ and the amplified fourth analog signal A₄ from the fourth amplifier 114 into a fourth digital signal D₄. The third analog-digital converter 133 may be configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 or the proximal-most amplifier into a fifth digital signal D₅.

[0116] In some embodiments, the probe 450, 460 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 111, the second amplifier 112, the third amplifier 113, the fourth amplifier 1 14, the fifth amplifier 115, the first analog- digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, the third analog-digital converter 133, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the first analog-digital converter 131, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 1 14, the second analog-digital converter 132, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the third analog-digital converter 133, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 6A). In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 111, the first amplifier 111 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 112, the second amplifier 112 and the first analog-digital converter 131, the first analog-digital converter 131 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 113, the third amplifier 113 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth amplifier 114 and the second analog-digital converter 132, the second analog-digital converter 132 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth amplifier 115 and the third analog-digital converter 133, and the third analog-digital converter 133 and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 6C). In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal-most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0117] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals aj, a₂, a₃, a , a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the probe 450, 460 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals, for example by locating one or more analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifier and/or analog sensor, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of analog signals. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the first analog-digital converter 131, the second amplifier 112, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the second analog-digital converter 132, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the third analog-digital converter 133, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 6B). In certain such embodiments, the first analog signal aj from the first sensor 101 and the amplified first analog signal A] from the first amplifier 111 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a₂, a₃, a4, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the analog signal a₂ from the second sensor 102 and the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 112 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_1? a₃, a₄, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_ls A₃, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the third analog signal a₃ from the third sensor 103 and the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 113 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_l5 a₂, a₄, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_l5 A₂, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fourth analog signal a₄ from the fourth sensor 104 and the amplified fourth analog signal A₄ from the fourth amplifier 114 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_ls a₂, a₃, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_l5 A₂, A₃, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fifth analog signal a₅ from the fifth sensor 105 and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_1; a₂, a₃, a₄ or an amplified analog signal A_1? A₂, A₃, from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between two or more electronic components.

[0118] In some embodiments, the probe 450, 460 comprises a power regulator 122 configured to regulate power supplied by a battery (e.g., the battery 323 of the display module 300). In certain such embodiments, the power regulator 122 may provide substantially steady voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, the analog-digital converters 131, 132, 133, and even the processor 324 of the display module 300 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 450, 460 and the connector 181 of the display module 300) or other components (e.g., a display device, a transmitter, etc.).

[0119] In some embodiments, the probe 450, 460 comprises an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the first sensor 101, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the first amplifier 111, the second amplifier 1 12, the third amplifier 113, the fourth amplifier 114, the fifth amplifier 115, the first analog- digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, the third analog-digital converter 133, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181. The integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the second sensor 102, the second amplifier 112, the first analog-digital converter 131, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the fourth sensor 104, the fourth amplifier 114, the second analog-digital converter 132, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the third analog- digital converter 133, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 6A). In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between at least one of: the first sensor 101 and the first amplifier 111, the first amplifier 111 and the second sensor 102, the second sensor 102 and the second amplifier 1 12, the second amplifier 112 and the first analog-digital converter 131, the first analog-digital converter 131 and the third sensor 103, the third sensor 103 and the third amplifier 113, the third amplifier 113 and the fourth sensor 104, the fourth sensor 104 and the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth amplifier 114 and the second analog-digital converter 132, the second analog-digital converter 132 and the fifth sensor 105, the fifth sensor 105 and the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth amplifier 115 and the third analog-digital converter 133, the third analog-digital converter 133 and the power regulator 122, and the power regulator 122 and the connector 181. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor 105 (e.g., the proximal-most sensor or the sensor closest to the connector 181) comprises a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor 101 (e.g., the distal -most sensor or the sensor farthest from the connector 181) comprises a pH sensor.

[0120] In some embodiments, one or more of the analog signals a_l5 a₂, a₃, a4, a₅ may be prone to interference (e.g., due to interfere with one another or other electronic devices, also known as "cross-talk")), possibly resulting in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration, any of which could result in an inaccurate reading of the physiological parameter. In certain such embodiments, some of the components in the probe 450, 460 may be arranged to reduce interference between the signals, for example by locating one or more analog-digital converters close to (e.g., as close as possible to) the analog amplifier and/or analog sensor, thereby reducing (e.g., minimizing) the path length of analog signals. In certain such embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprises, in series from the distal end to the proximal end: the first sensor 101, the first amplifier 111, the first analog-digital converter 131, the second amplifier 112, the second sensor 102, the third sensor 103, the third amplifier 113, the second analog-digital converter 132, the fourth amplifier 114, the fourth sensor 104, the fifth sensor 105, the fifth amplifier 115, the third analog-digital converter 133, the power regulator 122, and the connector 181 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 6B). In certain such embodiments, the first analog signal aj from the first sensor 101 and the amplified first analog signal Ai from the first amplifier 1 11 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a₂, a₃, a^, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the analog signal a₂ from the second sensor 102 and the amplified second analog signal A₂ from the second amplifier 112 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal aj, a₃, a-j, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_ls A₃, A₄, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the third analog signal a₃ from the third sensor 103 and the amplified third analog signal A₃ from the third amplifier 1 13 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal aj, a₂, a^, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A), A₂, A4, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fourth analog signal a* from the fourth sensor 104 and the amplified fourth analog signal A₄ from the fourth amplifier 114 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal aj, a₂, a₃, a₅ or an amplified analog signal A_l5 A₂, A₃, A₅ from the other sensors or amplifiers, the fifth analog signal a₅ from the fifth sensor 105 and the amplified fifth analog signal A₅ from the fifth amplifier 115 do not experience cross-talk with an analog signal a_ls a₂, a₃, a₄ or an amplified analog signal A_ls A₂, A₃, A₄ from the other sensors or amplifiers because the circuit paths do not overlap. In certain embodiments, the integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise a flexible portion between two or more electronic components.

[0121] With reference to the systems described herein, for example with respect to Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the display module 300 comprises a connector 181 and a processor 324. The connector 181 is configured to receive a plurality of digital signals (e.g., the digital signals D_l5 D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). The processor 324 configured to process digital signals (e.g., one or more of the digital signals Di, D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅). In certain embodiments, the display module 300 optionally comprises a display device (see Figure IB) (e.g., comprising an LCD screen, an OLED screen, or the like) and the processor 324 is configured to transmit processed digital signals to the display device. In some embodiments, the display device is configured to present one or more ascertained parameters and/or other information. In some embodiments, the display device is adapted to be readily visible to the attending medical professional or user. In some embodiments, the display device includes backlighting or other features to enhance the visibility of the display device. In certain embodiments, the display module comprises a transmitter (see Figure IB) configured to transmit processed digital signals to a remote monitor (e.g., comprising a display device) via a wire or wirelessly (e.g., via radio frequency, 802.1 lx, WAN, LAN, Bluetooth, or the like). In some embodiments, the display module 300 comprises a battery 323. In certain such embodiments, the battery 323, for example after regulation in the power regulator 122, may provide voltage and/or current to the sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, the amplifiers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and the analog-digital converter 131 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 450, 460 and the connector 301 of the display module 300), and even the processor 324 of the display module 300 (e.g., via the connector 181 of the probe 450, 460 and the connector 301 of the display module 300) or other components (e.g., a display device, a transmitter, etc.).

[0122] In some embodiments, the probe 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 described herein, for example with respect to Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, is configured (e.g., dimensioned) to slide though an insertion device (e.g., a catheter or a needle, for example having a size less than or equal to about 20 gauge). As an example, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/027,898, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a probe comprising a proximal end comprising substantially flush electrical contacts and/or a substantially smooth cylindrical surface. In certain such embodiments, an insertion device may advantageously slide off the proximal end of the probe 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 after the distal end is positioned in a patient.

[0123] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the probe 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 60 (e.g., comprising the connector 181) described herein, for example with respect to Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, may be contaminated by a contaminant, for example by blood from the patient. In certain such embodiments, any interference due to contaminants may not result in poor signal quality, signal degradation, and/or divergence from sensor calibration because the signals being transmitted between the connector 181 of the probe 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 and the connector 301 of the display module 300 are digital signals D_1; D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅ rather than analog signals, thereby advantageously increasing the likelihood of an accurate reading of the physiological parameter.

[0124] In certain embodiments, a method of using the systems described herein, for example with respect to Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, comprises inserting a needle (e.g., a 20 gauge needle) into the vasculature of a patient, inserting a guidewire into the needle, removing the needle, positioning a catheter over the guidewire, removing the guidewire, inserting a probe having a proximal and a distal end into the catheter distal-end first, and removing the catheter. In some embodiments, removing the catheter comprises sliding the catheter off the proximal end of the probe. In some embodiments, the method further comprises inserting the proximal end of the probe into a display module. In certain such embodiments, the method may advantageously reduce the complexity of certain steps and/or the number of steps used to position the probe (e.g., compared to the method for certain embodiments of the system illustrated in Figure 2). [0125] In certain embodiments, a method of using the systems described herein, for example with respect to Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, comprises inserting a needle (e.g., a 20 gauge needle) into the vasculature of a patient, inserting a probe having a proximal and a distal end into the needle, and removing the needle. In some embodiments, removing the needle comprises sliding the needle off the proximal end of the probe. In some embodiments, the method further comprises inserting the proximal end of the probe into a display module. In certain such embodiments, the method may advantageously reduce the complexity of certain steps and/or the number of steps used to position the probe (e.g., compared to the method for certain embodiments of the system illustrated in Figure 2).

[0126] In certain embodiments, a method of manufacturing the probe 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 described herein, for example with respect to Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, comprises the use of conventional semiconductor fabrication and assembly techniques to form an integrated flexible circuit sensor array comprising the electronic components. For example, the electronic components may be manufactured on one or more semiconductor wafers, cut into individual components, and then positioned, placed, mounted, affixed, etc. on a flex circuit. In some embodiments, the process may be automated (e.g., based on the small size of the electronic components). In certain such embodiments, the manufacturing process may reduce costs versus display module and/or electronics unit assembly in which packaged electronic components are manually placed on a circuit board. In certain such embodiments, the manufacturing process may reduce costs versus assembly in which packaged electronic components are used because the electronic components do not need to be packaged. An integrated flexible circuit sensor array may comprise specially designed electronic components, standard electronic components, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, some or all of the electronic components may be manufactured directly on the flexible circuit (e.g., comprising a substrate comprising glass or plastic). In certain such embodiments, portions of the flexible circuit comprising an electronic component may be thick and portions of the flexible circuit between electronic components may comprise articulated wires and/or flexible portions as described herein. In some embodiments, the probe comprising the electronic components as described herein may reduce costs because a standard display module comprising a processor (e.g., an iPod Touch^®) may be employed.

[0127] In any of the embodiments described herein, two or more electronics components (e.g., among amplifiers, analog-digital converters, power regulators, and processors) may be integrated in a combination circuit. For example, with respect to Figure 4A and/or Figure 4B, the first amplifier 111 and the first analog-digital converter 131 may be integrated in a first combination circuit, the second amplifier 112 and the second analog- digital converter 132 may be integrated in a second combination circuit, the third amplifier 113 and the third analog-digital converter 133 may be integrated in a third combination circuit, the fourth amplifier 114 and the fourth analog-digital converter 134 may be integrated in a fourth combination circuit, the fifth amplifier 115 and the fifth analog-digital converter 135 may be integrated in a fifth combination circuit, and/or the fifth amplifier 115, the fifth analog-digital converter 135, and the power regulator may be integrated in a fifth combination circuit. For example, with respect to Figure 4B, two or more of the first amplifier 111, the first analog-digital converter 131, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the second amplifier 112 may be integrated in a first combination circuit and/or two or more of the third amplifier 113, the third analog-digital converter 133, the fourth analog-digital converter 134, and the fourth amplifier 114 may be integrated in a second combination circuit. For example, with respect to Figure 5A, the fourth amplifier 114 and the first analog-digital converter 131 may be integrated in a first combination circuit, the fifth amplifier 115 and the second analog- digital converter 132 may be integrated in a second combination circuit, and/or the fifth amplifier 115, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the power regulator may be integrated in a third combination circuit. For example, with respect to Figure 5B, two or more of the second amplifier 112, the first analog-digital converter 131, and the third amplifier 113 may be integrated in a first combination circuit, the fifth amplifier 115 and the second analog-digital converter 132 may be integrated in a second combination circuit, and/or the fifth amplifier 115, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the power regulator may be integrated in a third combination circuit. For example, with respect to Figure 6A, the second amplifier 112 and the first analog-digital converter 131 may be integrated in a first combination circuit, the fourth amplifier 114 and the second analog-digital converter 132 may be integrated in a second combination circuit, the fifth amplifier 115 and the third analog- digital converter 133 may be integrated in a third combination circuit, and/or the fifth amplifier 115, the third analog-digital converter 133, and the power regulator may be integrated in a third combination circuit. For example, with respect to Figure 6B, two or more of the first amplifier 111 , the first analog-digital converter 131, and the second amplifier 112 may be integrated in a first combination circuit, two or more of the third amplifier 112, the second analog-digital converter 132, and the fourth amplifier 1 14 may be integrated in a second combination circuit, the fifth amplifier 115 and the third analog-digital converter 133 may be integrated in a third combination circuit, and/or the fifth amplifier 115, the third analog-digital converter 133, and the power regulator may be integrated in a third combination circuit. Other combination circuits are also possible (e.g., with respect to the electronic components in other configurations of the probe Probe, with respect to the electronic components in the display module 300 illustrated in Figure IB, the electronic components in the electronics unit Electronics Unit illustrated in Figure 2, etc.). Reducing the number of connections between electronic components can reduce costs and increase reliability.

[0128] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. For example, it may be possible to eliminate the amplifiers described herein. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosed invention. For example, it may be possible to group and/or arrange the electronics components in ways not explicitly described herein. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed should not be limited by any particular embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A probe comprising:

a sensor configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter;

an amplifier configured to amplify an analog signal from the sensor;

an analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal; and

a first connector configured to transmit the digital signal.

2. The probe of Claim 1, comprising:

a plurality of said sensors, each said sensor configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter; and

a plurality of said amplifiers, each said amplifier configured to amplify an analog signal from one said sensor.

3. The probe of Claim 2, wherein:

the plurality of said sensors comprises:

a first sensor configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce a first analog signal indicative of the first physiological parameter; a second sensor configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce a second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter;

a third sensor configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce a third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter;

a fourth sensor configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce a fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter; and

a fifth sensor configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce a fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter; the plurality of said amplifiers comprises:

a first amplifier configured to amplify the first analog signal;

a second amplifier configured to amplify the second analog signal; a third amplifier configured to amplify the third analog signal; a fourth amplifier configured to amplify the fourth analog signal; and a fifth amplifier configured to amplify the fifth analog signal;

the analog-digital converter is configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal, the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal, the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal, the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal, and the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal; and

the first connector is configured to transmit the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal.

4. A probe comprising:

a plurality of sensor arrays, each said sensor array comprising:

a sensor configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter; and

an amplifier configured to amplify an analog signal from the sensor.

5. The probe of Claim 4, wherein each said sensor array comprises an analog- digital converter configured to convert the amplified analog signal from the amplifier into a digital signal.

6. The probe of Claim 4, further comprising an analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified analog signals into digital signals.

7. The probe of any of Claims 2, 3, and 6, further comprising a second analog- digital converter configured to convert a second amplified analog signal of the plurality of amplified analog signals into a second digital signal and to convert a third amplified analog signal of the plurality of amplified analog signals into a third digital signal.

8. The probe of any of Claim 2, 3 and 6, comprising a plurality of said analog- digital converters, each said converter configured to convert an amplified analog signal from one said amplifier into a digital signal.

9. The probe of Claim 8, wherein the plurality of analog-digital converters comprises:

a first analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal;

a second analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal; a third analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal;

a fourth analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal; and

a fifth analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal.

10. The probe of Claim 2, 3, or 6, comprising a plurality of said analog-digital converters, each said converter configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals into digital signals.

11. The probe of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of said analog-digital converters comprises:

a first analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal, the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal, the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal, and the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal; and

a second analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal.

12. The probe of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of said analog-digital converters comprises:

a first analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal and the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal;

a second analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal and the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal; and

a third analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified fifth analog signal into a fifth digital signal.

13. The probe of any of Claims 1-12, wherein a flexible circuit sensor array comprises each said sensor, amplifier, and analog-digital converter.

14. A system for measuring physiological parameters, the system comprising: the probe of any of Claims 1-13; and

a display module.

15. A display module comprising: a first connector configured to receive a plurality of analog signals; a plurality of amplifiers, each said amplifier configured to amplify one of said analog signals;

a first analog-digital converter configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals into digital signals.

16. The display module of Claim 15, wherein the plurality of amplifiers comprises:

a first amplifier configured to amplify the first analog signal;

a second amplifier configured to amplify the second analog signal; a third amplifier configured to amplify the third analog signal; a fourth amplifier configured to amplify the fourth analog signal; and a fifth amplifier configured to amplify the fifth analog signal.

17. A system for measuring physiological parameters, the system comprising: the display module of Claim 15 or 16; and

a probe comprising:

a plurality of sensors, each said sensor configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter; and

a second connector configured to transmit the analog signals to the first connector.

18. The system of Claim 17, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a first sensor configured to measure a first physiological parameter and to produce the first analog signal indicative of the first physiological parameter;

a second sensor configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce the second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter;

a third sensor configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce the third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter;

a fourth sensor configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce the fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter; and a fifth sensor configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce the fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter.

19. An electronics unit comprising:

a first connector configured to receive a plurality of analog signals;

a plurality of amplifiers, each said amplifier configured to amplify an analog signal;

a first analog-digital converter configured to convert some of the amplified analog signals into digital signals; and

a second connector configured to transmit the digital signals.

20. The electronics unit of Claim 19, wherein the plurality of amplifiers comprises:

a first amplifier configured to amplify the first analog signal;

21. The electronics unit of Claim 20, further comprising a first analog-digital converter configured to convert the amplified first analog signal into a first digital signal, the amplified second analog signal into a second digital signal, the amplified third analog signal into a third digital signal, and the amplified fourth analog signal into a fourth digital signal.

22. A system for measuring physiological parameters, the system comprising: the electronics unit of any of Claims 19-21 ; and

a probe comprising a plurality of sensors, each said sensor configured to measure a physiological parameter and to produce an analog signal indicative of the physiological parameter.

23. The system of Claim 22, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a second sensor configured to measure a second physiological parameter and to produce the second analog signal indicative of the second physiological parameter; a third sensor configured to measure a third physiological parameter and to produce the third analog signal indicative of the third physiological parameter; a fourth sensor configured to measure a fourth physiological parameter and to produce the fourth analog signal indicative of the fourth physiological parameter; and a fifth sensor configured to measure a fifth physiological parameter and to produce the fifth analog signal indicative of the fifth physiological parameter.

24. The system of Claim 22 or 23, further comprising a display module comprising:

a processor configured to process the digital signals; and

a battery.

25. The system of Claim 24, wherein the display module further comprises a processor configured to process the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, the fourth digital signal, and the fifth digital signal.