Importance

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Abstract

A wireless patient monitoring apparatus uses an optical signal to transmit information from a transducer to a photodetector of an optical receiver. The photodetector converts the optical signal to an electrical signal which is then provided to monitoring and analysis instrumentation. Signals which are indicative of physiological functions are modulated onto a carrier, and the resulting modulated signal is provided, in turn, to the optical source, which may be a light-emitting diode (LED) which emits in the infrared band. A self-contained portable transducer assembly which is strapped or otherwise secured to the patient may house the transducer, modulator and optical source, and is adapted for underwater use. Optionally, the optical source can be positioned remote from the assembly. In a fetal monitor implementation, both wireless ultrasound and tocodynamometer transducers are provided.

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First Claim