Flat Probes

SF-1	LF-1 and LF-2	LF-3
[Click on probes to enlarge pictures]

These probes have a mirror in the sensor tip that allows redirection of light, so that the probe can be applied on tissue tangentially to the light fibres. This results in a simple and stable fixation and the probe can be used in various fields of application.

The flat probes vary from one channel versions for detection of either blood flow or oxygen saturation /hemoglobin amount in one depth to four channel versions with simultaneous detection of all parameters in two depths.

For use under sterile operating condition LEA Medizintechnik recommend the use of special probe covers.

Wounds may be measured by placing a transparent film wound dressing on it. It is important that the dressing is clear transparent and colourless. Dressings with coloured patterns lead to wrong measurement.
An applicable dressing is i.e. the film wound dressing Suprasorb® F from the manufacturer Lohmann & Rauscher (Art.-No. REF 20 462; Measures 10x12cm) or OpSite® Flexigrid® from Smith+Nephew (Art.-No. 4630; Measures 10x12cm).

For reduction of pressure on the tissue - pressure influences the microcirculation - during application of the probe LEA Medizintechnik provides probe applicators.

For more details see Technical Data.

Choose your probes by

• way of application
• measurement depth

Connection to the O2C

The probes are connected to the O2C simply by plugging in one connector. No difficult connection of single fibres or screwing is necessary.

You can measure simultaneously with two different probes.

Application on the measurement site

The probes have to be applied without pressure to avoid influence on microcirculation, but firm enough on the tissue to avoid movement artifacts.

Flat probes can be fixated with a tape, fibrin glue or by suture, for a short or a long period of time.

For exact measurement it is necessary to fix probes properly:

• Apply probe without pressure and without causing venous congestion (e.g. by fixation on finger with a tape). The probe is usually fixated properly, when hemoglobin amount and blood flow do not decrease after fixation.
• Fix the probe tubing with a strain relief to avoid movement artifacts. Check movement artifacts on display.

General construction of the probes

The probes consist of glass fibres, that send white light and laser light into tissue and that send the signal from tissue back to the main device.

They differ in

• the measurement volume: the higher the distance between illuminating and detecting fibre, the bigger the measurement volume.
• the way of application

If you want to know more about actual probe types available, please contact us. LEA Medizintechnik GmbH has many years of experience in developing sensor technology and measurement probes. Hence we have the know how and the abilities to develop and manufacture customized probes for your special needs.