<i>In Vivo</i> Oximeter with Fast Dynamic Response

Abstract

An in vivo oximeter which uses as a probe a standard cardiac catheter or a Cournand needle is described. The oxygen saturation is obtained from the light intensities at two wavelengths (805 and 660 mμ) diffusely reflected by the unhemolyzed blood. The light is brought to the tip of the catheter and back again to the proximal end by means of glass fibers. Details of the construction of the instrument and experimental results are given.