Smart physiologic parameter sensor and method

Abstract

A sensor assembly used for the measurement of one or more physiologic parameters of a living subject which is capable of storing both data obtained dynamically during use as well as that programmed into the device. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly comprises a disposable combined pressure and ultrasonic transducer incorporating an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), the assembly being used for the non-invasive measurement of arterial blood pressure. The sensor EEPROM has a variety of information relating to the manufacture, run time, calibration, and operation of the sensor, as well as application specific data such as patient or health care facility identification. Portions of the data are encrypted to prevent tampering. In a second embodiment, one or more additional storage devices (EEPROMs) are included within the host system to permit the storage of data relating to the system and a variety of different sensors used therewith. In a third embodiment, one or more of the individual transducer elements within the assembly are made separable and disposable, thereby allowing for the replacement of certain selected components which may degrade or become contaminated. Methods for calibrating and operating the disposable sensor assembly in conjunction with its host system are also disclosed.