Sidestream gas sampling system with detachable sample cell

[0001] for monitoring respiratory gases such as a radiation source and detector, are coupled to the sample cell to measure the constituents of gas passing through the sample cell. An example of such a conventional mainstream Gas Measurement System is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,720 issued to Knodle et al.

[0002] A sidestream type of gas sampling system transports a portion of sampled gases from the sampling site, which is typically a breathing circuit coupled to the patient's airway or directly at the patient's airway, through a sampling tube to the sample cell, where the constituents of the gas are measured by a gas sensing system. Gases are continuously aspirated from the sample site, through the sampling tube, and into the sample cell, which is located within a gas measurement instrument. Gases are commonly sampled at flow rates ranging from about 50 ml/min to about 250 ml/min.

[0003] The optical and electronic components associated with the sample cell for measuring the gas passing therethrough are positioned in the monitor a distance away from the patient's airway or a respiratory circuit. Examples of conventional sidestream gas sampling systems are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,692,621 to Passaro et al.; 4,177,381 to McClatchie; 5,282,473 to Braig et al.; and 5,932,877 also issued to Braig et al.

[0004] Conventionally, the sampling ports used by sidestream gas sampling systems are located in a wall of the respiratory circuit or an airway adapter therefor. The location of the sampling port along a breathing circuit may range anywhere from an elbow connected to an endotracheal tube to a wye connector at the opposite end of a breathing circuit. For example, the sampling port may be placed on the ventilator side of an in-line filter or heat-moisture exchanger (HME). This results in a drier sampling tube but with the inherent risk of significant distortion of the capnographic waveform and lower end-tidal values.

[0005] It is also well known in the art to locate the sampling port on the patient side of the in-line filter. However, there is a possibility of an accumulation of condensate and/or patient secretions in this configuration for a sidestream sampling system. Condensation from a humidified sample gas, in combination with patient secretions, can block and contaminate the sampling tube, which may necessitate frequent replacement thereof. To protect the sample cell from condensate, it is known to make the sampling tube permeable to water vapor, for example by using dehumidifying tubing, such as NAFION® brand tubing. It is also know to provide a water trap positioned at some point along the length of the sampling tube, a water filter also positioned along the sampling tube, or any combination of the dehumidification tubing, water trap, and water filter. The effectiveness of water traps and water filters vary between manufacturers, but no water trap or water filter is immune to eventual clogging and distortion of the capnographic waveform, particularly if preventive maintenance is inadequate.

[0006] Additionally, sources of leaks external to the gas monitor, such as loose fittings, cracked or slit sampling tubes, cracked sample filters, and cracked airway adapters, along with sources of leaks internal to the monitor, such as partial disconnection, are known to cause significant artifact in the capnogram output by conventional sidestream gas sampling systems. Leaks and obstructions can occur at any of the numerous connection points and tubes within a sidestream gas sampling system. As it may be difficult or impossible to calibrate for such artifacts, leaks, and obstructions, the capnographic waveforms and end-tidal measurements that are generated by use of sidestream analyzers may provide values that are significantly different from the actual values, which may, in turn, pose a potential hazard to the patient.

[0007] While more recent sidestream gas sampling system designs employ sampling ports that are located in the center of the adapter and, thus, along the flow path therethrough rather than at a wall thereof and, therefore, are less likely to aspirate secretions within a patient's respiration, they are still susceptible to the problems outlined above.

[0008] These problems are further exacerbated by the fact that the sample cells of sidestream analyzers are reusable and nondisposable, with windows that are formed from sapphire or other expensive materials. Thus, over time, condensation and contamination are likely to build up within such sample cells, reducing their performance over time. While the reusable sample cells of some sidestream analyzers may be removed therefrom for cleaning, the cleaning process is often avoided due to the high costs associated with replacing such sample cells. As a result, following the cleaning of such a sample cell, the accuracy of measurements obtained therewith diminishes over time.

[0009] Currently, the use of sidestream gas monitoring requires that careful attention be paid to the physical setup both external and internal to the monitor, and that care be taken in interpreting the capnographic waveform.

[0010] Given these problems with sidestream capnography, it is desirable to provide a sidestream gas sampling system that (a) is less prone to both internal and external leaks and obstructions, (b) provides data that more accurately reflects the true capnographic waveform of a patient's respiration, (c) is more robust with respect to accumulation of condensate and patient secretions, and (d) facilitates an easy determination of problems and corrective actions at the point of care should any of the above-noted problems occur with the sampling tube and/or the sample cell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sidestream gas sampling system and a sample cell for use in such a system that overcomes the shortcomings of conventional sidestream gas sampling systems. This object is achieved according to one embodiment of the present invention by providing a sidestream gas sampling system that includes a sidestream gas measurement assembly and a sample cell that is configured to removeably attach to the sidestream gas measurement assembly. More specifically, the sample cell incorporating the teachings of the present invention is configured to be received by and readily and removably interconnected with and disconnected from a corresponding receptacle in the housing of the sidestream gas measurement assembly. The use of a removable sample cell obviates or minimizes the need for costly preventive maintenance required by conventional sidestream gas monitoring systems. Instead, the sample cell of the present invention is merely discarded and replaced with a new sample cell as needed.

[0012] A sample cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a sample cell having a body, a sample chamber defined in the body for receiving a respiratory sample from a patient, and at least one window defined in a first wall of the body. The sample chamber communicates with at least one sampling tube, which, in turn, is configured to communicate, either directly or indirectly, with the airway of a patient. The window forms at least a portion of a boundary for the sample chamber and is disposed at a location on the body such that the window is in optical communication with the radiation source, the radiation detector, or both, in the sidestream gas measurement component when the sample cell is disposed in an assembled configuration with the sidestream gas measurement component. The window is substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of radiation to be used in determining an amount of a gas or vaporized material disposed in the sample chamber. The windows may be formed from a material, such as a polymer, that has optical properties that are suitable for use in the analysis technique to be employed by the sidestream gas monitor. The sample cell may also include an integrated filter, for use in anesthesia environment, or both.

[0013] A further embodiment of the present invention contemplates providing a sample cell that includes an interconnection element disposed on a body of the sample cell. The interconnection element is configured to engage a corresponding feature of a sidestream gas measurement assembly that is configured to at least partially receive the sample cell. In this way, the sample cell is securely affixed to the sidestream gas measurement assembly such that the window is in precise optical alignment with the gas measurement components in the sidestream gas measurement assembly.

[0014] The sidestream gas measurement assembly may be a component of a multi-parameter system, for example, a system that is capable of monitoring a combination of respiratory gases and/or vapors, a respiratory gas or vapor and respiratory flow, a combination thereof, or the like. Also, the sample cell may be included as part a standalone sidestream gas monitoring system or to may be retrofit on an existing sidestream gas monitoring system or on a system that was originally designed for mainstream-only operation.

[0015] These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

P-0016[0016]FIG. 1A is a top view of a first embodiment of a stand-alone sidestream gas sampling system according to the principles of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the sidestream gas measurement assembly in the sidestream gas sampling system shown in FIG. 1A;

P-0017[0017] FIGS. <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>B are, respectively, perspective and exploded views of a second embodiment of a sidestream gas sampling system that forms a component in a multiparameter monitoring apparatus according to the principles of the present invention;

P-0018[0018]FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views and FIG. 3C is an exploded view of third embodiment of a sidestream gas measurement assembly of a sidestream gas sampling system that is adapted to be tightly coupled to a multi-parameter monitoring system;

P-0019[0019] FIGS. <b>4</b>A-<b>4</b>E are, respectively, top, front, side, rear, and perspective views of an example of a removable sample cell incorporating teachings of the present invention;

P-0020[0020]FIGS. 5A and 5B are exploded perspective first and second side views of an exemplary embodiment of a gas sensing assembly;

P-0021[0021]FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating an exemplary attachment of the sample cell to a receptacle by means of a latching mechanism, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an exemplary attachment of the sample cell to a input port;

P-0022[0022]FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary pediatric/adult sampling set for use with a humidified breathing circuit, which includes a sample cell, filter, dehumification tubing, and an airway adapter;

P-0023[0023]FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary pediatric/adult sampling set for use with a non-humidified breathing circuit, which includes a sample cell, a filter, and an airway adapter;

P-0024[0024]FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary neonatal sampling set, including a sample cell, a filter, dehumificiation tubing, and a low deadspace airway adapter;

P-0025[0025]FIG. 10 is a side view of an sampling set for a humidified breathing circuit, including a sample cell, a filter, dehumification tubing, and a Luer fitting;

P-0026[0026]FIG. 11 is a sideview of still another example of a sidestream sampling set;

P-0027[0027]FIG. 12 is a side view of a sampling set for non-intubated patients, without oxygen delivery, that includes a sample cell, a filter, and a nasal cannula; and

P-0028[0028]FIG. 13 is a side view of an exemplary sampling set for non-intubated patients with oxygen delivery, including a sample cell, a filter, a nasal cannula, and an optional port for oxygen delivery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

P-0029[0029]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a first embodiment of a stand-alone sidestream gas sampling system <b>30</b> according to the principles of the present invention. Sidestream gas sampling system <b>30</b> includes a sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> and a sample cell <b>60</b> that selectively attaches to the sidestream gas measurement assembly. Sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> is shown in exploded view in FIG. 1B.

P-0030[0030] Sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> includes a housing <b>42</b>, which, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is defined by two housing portions <b>42</b><i>a </i>and <b>42</b><i>b </i>that are adapted to be joined together in an assembled relation. The various elements of sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> may be at least partially contained within or otherwise carried by housing <b>42</b>, which is configured to receive a substrate <b>43</b> on which one or more of the components of the sidestream gas measurement assembly can be mounted. A radiation source <b>44</b> and a radiation detector <b>46</b> are disposed in the housing in optical alignment so that radiation emitted by the source is received by the detector after passing through the gas contained in sample cell <b>60</b>.

P-0031[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, radiation source <b>44</b> includes an infrared emitter, a mounting, a parabolic mirror, and a window of an infrared radiation-transmitting material, such as sapphire. Radiation detector <b>46</b> comprises a window of infrared radiation-transmitting material, a beam splitter, one or more filters, and data and reference detectors. Radiation detector <b>46</b> may also include electronics that facilitate monitoring and/or temperature control of the data and reference detectors thereof.

P-0032[0032] Housing <b>42</b> also includes a receptacle <b>48</b> that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the sample cell for securing the sample cell to the housing. A slot <b>49</b> is provided in an exterior of the housing to allow the sample cell to engage the receptacle. It should be noted that the present invention contemplates that receptacle <b>48</b> can be defined by housing <b>42</b>, rather than as a separate component as shown in FIG. 1B. That is, slot <b>49</b> can be part of the receptacle for removeably attaching the sample cell to the sidestream gas measurement assembly.

P-0033[0033] When sample cell <b>60</b> is assembled with sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> according to the present invention by insertion of the sample cell at least partially into receptacle <b>48</b>, a window <b>62</b> provided in the sample cell is optically aligned with the gas monitoring components of the sidestream gas measurement assembly. More specifically, infrared radiation emitted from radiation source <b>44</b> passes through window <b>62</b> of sample cell <b>60</b>. Thereafter, the infrared radiation passes through a sample chamber defined in the interior of sample cell <b>60</b>, where a portion of the radiation is absorbed, or attenuated, by one or more respiratory gases, such as carbon dioxide, or vaporized materials, in the sample chamber. The unabsorbed infrared radiation then passes through another window (not shown) into radiation detector <b>46</b>, which converts the unabsorbed, or transmitted, infrared radiation into electrical signals.

P-0034[0034] The present invention also contemplates that the sample cell can include a single window. In which case, the radiation transmitted into the sample chamber and the radiation exiting the sample chamber pass through this common window. A reflective element is provided in the sample cell to allow the radiation to pass back through the window by which it entered the sample cell.

P-0035[0035] The present invention also contemplates that the sample cell may be either integrated with filter, sampling tubing, or a combination of these two, or removable from the filter and/or sampling tubing. Thus, the sample cell may be either disposable or reusable. A sample cell integral with the sample tubing offers the best construction with respect to maintenance of signal fidelity. However, integrating the sample cell with the sample tubing is not required according to the present invention.

P-0036[0036] Sidestream gas measurement assembly preferably includes a processor (not shown) for controlling radiation source <b>44</b> and for processing the signals from radiation detector <b>46</b>. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an output device <b>54</b>, such as an LCD or meter, is provided on housing <b>42</b> for visually displaying the result of the gas sampling measurements determined by the processor and/or the radiation detector, such as a determination of the amount of the monitored gas or vaporized material in the patient's respiration or the partial pressure of the monitored gas.

P-0037[0037] The present invention also contemplates that sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> communicates, or interfaces, with other equipment, such as a host system, by way of one or more hard wired or wireless communication links, as known in the art. By way of example only, sidestream gas measurement assembly may have a cable <b>56</b> connected thereto and in communication with one or more components of the sidestream gas measurement assembly, such as radiation source <b>44</b>, radiation detector <b>130</b>, the processor (not shown) or the like. It is known, for example, to provide an optional barometric pressure compensation in a host system that can be used, for example, to calculated the % CO₂in the patient's respiration.

P-0038[0038] Sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> includes a system for aspirating gas from the sample site into the sampling tube and, hence, into the sample cell. More specifically, a pump <b>58</b> is provided in housing <b>42</b> that selectively couples to an outlet port of the sample cell for pulling gas through the sample cell from the sample site. A scavenging port <b>59</b> is coupled to the pump to allow the gas drawn through the sample cell by the pump to be discharged from the sidestream gas measurement assembly. The present invention contemplates that pump <b>58</b> is activated when the sample cell is connected to the sidestream gas measurement assembly and deactivated when it is removed. Of course, any pump activation and deactivation technique, manual or automatic, can be used with this invention

P-0039[0039] To perform gas monitoring using sidestream gas sampling system <b>30</b>, the user couples a sampling tube <b>64</b> in fluid communication with an airway of a patient, for example by attaching a nasal cannula on the patient or an airway adapter in a breathing circuit to which the sampling tube is connected. The sample cell must also be assembled with the sidesteam gas measurement assembly by placing the sample cell in the receptacle in the housing of the sidestream gas measurement assembly. Pump <b>58</b> is activated so that gas originating in an airway adapter or nasal cannula is drawn into sampling tube <b>64</b> and sample cell <b>60</b>. One end of the sampling tube is coupled to sample cell <b>60</b> such that the interior of tube is in fluid communication with a sample chamber defined in the sample cell.

P-0040[0040] The partial pressure of one or more gases, such as carbon dioxide, or vaporized materials in the respiration of a patient, is determined using a gas sensing system, which includes radiation source <b>44</b>, e.g., an infrared radiation source, and radiation detector <b>46</b>, e.g., an infrared detector. The output of the gas sensing system, for example signals indicative of the partial pressure of one or more gases of vaporized materials, are provide to a processor and output device <b>54</b>, such as a meter, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or provide to an external device, such as a printer, computer monitor, host system, or other gas monitoring system via a conventional communication link.

P-0041[0041] After one or more parameters of respiration of such a patient are monitored as discussed above, the sample cell is detached from sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b>. The sample cell can be reconditioned if it is reusable for repeated use, or it can discarded and a new sample cell can be used.

P-0042[0042] The present invention contemplates that an optional filter <b>66</b> can be provided between sample cell <b>60</b> and the airway adapter at the other end of sampling tube <b>64</b>. In short, a filter can be provided along the length of sampling tube <b>64</b> or at its ends. Examples of filters suitable for use with the present invention include a water filter, secretion filter, or any conventional filter that prevents liquid and/or particulates from reaching the sample cell. The present invention also contemplates that optional filter <b>66</b> may be a part of sample cell <b>60</b> or communicate with exhaust or scavenging port <b>59</b> located downstream from sample cell <b>60</b>. Scavenging port <b>59</b> may vent the gas to the atmosphere, connect to a scavenging system, or return the gas to the breathing circuit.

P-0043[0043] FIGS. <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>C illustrate a second embodiment of a sidestream gas sampling system <b>80</b>. In this embodiment, the sidestream gas sampling system, and, in particular, sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>82</b>, is a component in a multiparameter monitoring apparatus <b>84</b>. The components of sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>82</b> are generally the same as sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>40</b> of FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, housing <b>86</b> of sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>82</b> housing contains a gas sensing system, including radiation source <b>44</b> and radiation detector <b>46</b> and includes a slot <b>49</b>′ into which sample cell <b>60</b> is inserted for placing the window of the sample cell in optical alignment with the components of the gas sensing system. An aperture <b>88</b> is provided in housing <b>86</b> to for scavenging port <b>59</b>.

P-0044[0044] As shown in FIG. 2C, sidestream gas sampling system <b>80</b> is one of a plurality of modules <b>90</b> in multi-parameter monitoring apparatus <b>84</b>. Thus, sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>82</b> is preferably configured and arranged to be coupled to a housing containing modules <b>90</b>.

P-0045[0045] FIGS. <b>3</b>A-<b>3</b>C illustrate a third embodiment of a sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>100</b> in a sidestream gas sampling system <b>102</b> that is adapted to be coupled to a multi-parameter monitoring system (not shown). Sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>100</b> includes a support bracket <b>104</b> and monitor connector <b>106</b> for coupling the sidestream gas measurement assembly to the remaining components of the multi-parameter monitoring system, which are not illustrated herein, such that the sidestream gas measurement assembly appears to be an integral part of the multi-parameter system, such as an extension of the housing for the multi-parameter system. The present invention contemplates securing support bracket <b>104</b> of sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>100</b> to the remaining components of the monitor by an adhesive layer <b>105</b> as well as connector <b>106</b>. Sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>100</b> includes a housing <b>108</b> defined by a first housing portion <b>110</b> and a second housing portion <b>112</b> that are adapted to be joined together. Interlocking elements can be provided on housing <b>108</b> for securing the sidestream gas measurement assembly to the main housing of the multi-parameter system.

P-0046[0046] Sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>100</b> also includes a gas sensing system, generally indicated at <b>114</b>, which is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Gas sensing system <b>114</b> includes a sample cell receptacle <b>116</b> that receives, at least in part, the sample cell, a radiation source <b>118</b> and a radiation detector <b>120</b>. As in the previous embodiment, when the sample cell is properly assembled with the sidestream monitor, the sample cell is seated in receptacle <b>116</b> such that radiation from source <b>118</b> passes through a sample chamber in the sample cell and is received by detector <b>120</b> after passing through the gas contained in the sample chamber. In this embodiment, receptacle <b>1116</b> provides a separate, one-piece subassembly that aligns the optics of the gas sensing system and separates these optics from the rest of the components of the sidestream gas measurement assembly.

P-0047[0047] A pump <b>58</b> is provided in sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>100</b> to draw gas from the sampling site through the sample cell. To dampen vibrations from the operation of the pump, the pump is placed in an isolation boot <b>122</b>. A tubing <b>124</b> interconnects the pump, sample cell receptacle <b>116</b>, valving (not shown), and an exhaust port <b>126</b>. A screw <b>128</b> in conjunction with a spacer <b>130</b> and the structure of second housing portion <b>112</b> securely attaches a circuit board <b>132</b> to the second housing portion. A screw <b>134</b> attaches monitor connector <b>106</b>, which interfaces to circuit board <b>132</b> via a CO₂flex connector <b>136</b> to first housing portion <b>110</b>.

P-0048[0048] Details of the sample cell, the gas sensing system and a technique for connecting the sample cell to the gas sensing system will now be described with reference to FIGS. <b>4</b>A-<b>6</b>B. FIGS. <b>4</b>A-<b>4</b>E illustrate an example of a removable sample cell <b>140</b> suitable for use in the sidestream gas sampling systems of the present invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a gas sensing system <b>114</b> suitable for use with the various embodiments of the sidestream gas sampling systems of the present invention, which includes sample cell <b>140</b>. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary attachment of sample cell <b>140</b> to a receptacle in the gas sensing system by means of a latching mechanism.

P-0049[0049] Sample cell <b>140</b> includes a first window <b>142</b> and a second window <b>144</b> that are configured and oriented on a housing <b>146</b> of the sample cell so as to optically align with the components of the gas sensing system, which includes radiation source <b>118</b> and radiation detector <b>120</b>, when the sample cell is assembled with the sidestream gas measurement assembly. Sample cell body <b>146</b> may be of a single piece construction, or of a multi-piece construction. Radiation detector <b>120</b> and radiation source <b>118</b> are preferably affixed to sample cell receptacle <b>116</b> using any of a variety of techniques. For example, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a boss <b>148</b> on radiation detector <b>120</b> fits into an opening <b>150</b> in sample cell receptacle <b>116</b>. In this embodiment, boss <b>148</b> and opening <b>150</b> are circular. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention contemplates other shapes for these elements. Additionally, the rectangular depression that surrounds opening <b>150</b> in sample cell receptacle <b>116</b> mates with an edge of the rectangular housing of the radiation detector. Tabs <b>152</b> and <b>154</b> on radiation source <b>118</b> fit securely between rectangular boss pairs <b>156</b> and <b>158</b>, respectively, on receptacle <b>116</b>. Connectors <b>160</b> and <b>162</b> provide electrical interfaces for the source and detector, respectively. Of course other ways to coupled these components in proper alignment are possible, and would be readily discerned by one skilled in the art.

P-0050[0050] Sample cell <b>116</b> also includes an output port <b>170</b> and an inlet port <b>172</b>, both of which are in fluid communication with a sample chamber <b>174</b> defined in sample cell body <b>146</b>. Gas sensing system <b>114</b> includes a pneumatic coupling <b>176</b> having an input port <b>178</b> and a seal <b>180</b>. Pneumatic coupling <b>174</b> connects output port <b>170</b> of sample cell <b>140</b> to the pump in the sidestream gas measurement assembly. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the present invention the end portion of output port <b>140</b> includes a taper <b>182</b> to allow the output port to be securely seated against seal <b>180</b> of pneumatic coupling <b>176</b> and provides a good seal when the sample cell is latched in place on the sidestream gas measurement assembly. A taper is also provided on the interior of end portion <b>184</b> of coupling <b>176</b> to facilitate coupling of the sample cell and the pneumatic coupling. Proper seating of output port <b>140</b> with the input port <b>178</b> of pneumatic coupling <b>174</b> is important so that a known negative pressure can be applied to the sample chamber generating the desired flow rate of gas through the sample cell.

P-0051[0051] Sample cell <b>140</b> includes an interconnection element <b>190</b> a coupled to sample cell body <b>146</b> that engages a corresponding feature of the sidestream gas measurement assembly, such as receptacle <b>116</b> so that the sample cell is securely and releasably coupled with the sidestream gas measurement assembly <b>100</b> and in optical alignment with the optical components of the gas sensing system. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, interconnection element <b>190</b> is a latching arm <b>112</b> formed on the upper surface of sample cell body <b>146</b>. Insertion of sample cell <b>140</b> into receptacle <b>116</b> deflects latching arm from its original position through positions indicated by letters A, B, and C in FIG. 4C. The latching arm includes a protrusion <b>192</b> that engages an opening <b>194</b> defined in receptacle <b>116</b>, thereby securing the sample cell in the receptacle. For operator feedback, an audible clicking sound may be generated by the insertion of the latching arm into the receptacle of the sidestream gas measurement assembly.

P-0052[0052] To remove sample cell <b>140</b> from receptacle <b>116</b>, latching arm <b>190</b> is depressed and pivots downward to release protrusion <b>192</b> from opening <b>194</b> so that the sample cell can be then removed from the receptacle. In this manner, receptacle <b>116</b> properly aligns radiation source <b>118</b>, radiation detector <b>120</b>, and sample cell <b>140</b> in a repeatable manner. The latching feature provided by interconnection element <b>190</b>, utilizing a chamfered protrusion <b>192</b> located on the latching arm extending from the sample cell interfacing with slot <b>194</b> in receptacle <b>116</b>, compensates for manufacturing tolerance variations in the size of the sample cell body and/or the size of the opening into which the sample cell is inserted. This latching feature also precisely aligns the sample cell in the receptacle in a repeatable fashion.

P-0053[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, chamfered protrusion <b>192</b> is located on latching arm <b>190</b> and slot <b>194</b> is a rectangular feature located on receptacle <b>116</b>. The chamfered protrusion <b>192</b> is longer than slot <b>194</b> so that the protrusion is forced to center itself on a front chamfer <b>196</b> and back chamfer <b>198</b> when snapped in place. This feature is similar to a taper fit, which is well known in the art compensates for manufacturing tolerances, because the centerline of the chamfered protrusion <b>192</b> will always be aligned with the centerline of slot <b>194</b>. Therefore, variances in dimensions due to molding, for example, will only cause a deviation in the amount of flex in the latching arm. It can be appreciated that proper alignment of the measurement optics with the optical apertures is important so that sufficient radiation passes through the gas within the sample cell to the detector assembly and that a constant path length between the source assembly and detector assembly would be maintained.

P-0054[0054] The present invention contemplates that the sidestream gas measurement assembly includes a photo-detector or other device that detects when the sample cell is present, for example, to control the operation of the sidestream gas measurement assembly. The present invention also contemplates that the sample cell may include an identification element that is detected by the sidestream gas measurement assembly to provide the sidestream gas measurement assembly with information concerning the sample cell. For example, the identification element can include identifying information indicating the type of sample cell and/or any components associated therewith, e.g., the sampling tube, water trap, etc., and, possibly, any calibration information specific to the sample cell or any components associated therewith. Such identification may be implemented mechanically, optically, magnetically, by way of radiofrequency (RF) signals, or as otherwise known.

P-0055[0055] Other alternative structures for the invention presently contemplated include, but are not limited to, rounded arched protrusion instead of the chamfered surfaces discussed above. In addition, the interconnection element can be provided at other locations on the sample cell, or multiple interconnection elements can be used. Alternatively, the interconnection element can extend from the receptacle or other component of the sidestream gas measurement assembly and engage a slot, groove or other receiving element defined in the sample cell, effectively reversing the arrangement shown in FIG. 6A. Similarly, the arrangement of protrusion <b>192</b> and opening <b>194</b> can be reversed.

P-0056[0056] Improved alignment allows for more consistency in the performance of the device. This device is simple to use and provides both familiar and intuitive operations for insertion and removal of the sample cell. Additionally, the single molded piece of the receptacle allows for a low cost and easy mounting of the optics.

P-0057[0057] FIGS. <b>7</b>-<b>13</b> depict various sample sets that incorporate teachings of the present invention, each of which includes a sample cell, such as sample cell <b>60</b> depicted in FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>4</b>E, and sampling tube <b>64</b>. These sample sets may be configured for use in one or more sidestream monitoring systems, and may include various additional features, such as a filter <b>66</b>, dehumidification tubing <b>220</b>, oxygen delivery tubing <b>224</b>, Luer fitting <b>226</b> and the like. The sample sets may be interfaced to the patient's airway by a nasal cannula <b>228</b> (FIGS. 12 and 13), a airway adapter <b>230</b> (FIGS. 7 and 8) and low deadspace airway adapter <b>232</b> (FIG. 9).

P-0058[0058] A system incorporating teachings of the present invention may include a reusable or disposable sample cell and a set of sampling tubes, each sampling tube being compatible with the sample cell and different types of airway adapters and/or monitoring apparatus. Exemplary configurations of sampling systems or sets for intubated patients according to the present invention include, but are not limited to:

P-0059[0059] Adult—humidified (sample cell, filter, dehumidifying tubing, airway adapter);

P-0060[0060] Adult—non-humidified (sample cell, filter, airway adapter);

P-0061[0061] Neonatal (sample cell, filter, dehumidifying tubing, low deadspace airway adapter);

P-0062[0062] Generic—humidified (sample cell, filter, dehumidifying tubing, luer fitting); and

P-0063[0063] Generic—non-humidified (sample cell, filter, luer fitting).

P-0064[0064] Exemplary configurations of sampling systems or sets for non-intubated patients with and without O₂delivery include, without limitation:

P-0065[0065] Adult (sample cell, filter, nasal cannula);

P-0066[0066] Pediatric (sample cell, filter, nasal cannula);

P-0067[0067] Infant (sample cell, filter, nasal cannula);

P-0068[0068] Adult (sample cell, filter, nasal cannula, O₂port); and

P-0069[0069] Pediatric (sample cell, filter, nasal cannula, O₂port).

P-0070[0070] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.