UC Irvine

We present a re-engineered frequency-domain tissue oximeter operating in the near-infrared spectral region. This instrument is based on the multi-distance measurement protocol, which we have implemented in our original design by multiplexing multiple light sources. The new instrument uses intensity modulated (110 MHz) laser diodes emitting at 750 and 840 nm. The laser diodes are coupled to glass optical fibers (600 μm core diameter). The average light intensity delivered to the tissue is about 3 mW. The multiplexing electronics are based on solid state switches that allow for acquisition times per point as short as tens of milliseconds. Our tests on phantoms and in vivo with the new oximeter have shown significant improvement in terms of stability, reliability, and reproducibility with respect to the original prototype. Furthermore, by using optical fibers we achieve a high versatility in the design of the measuring probe, permitting custom design for various tissue contours and different measurements. To verify the improved performance of the new oximeter, we have performed an in vivo test consisting of monitoring the hemoglobin saturation (Y) and concentration (THC) on the calf of 18 healthy volunteers during walking and running routines.