Tessa Quinn
There are several finger attachments used in hospitals. One common device is the finger pulse oximeter, a small, clip-like device that attaches to the finger to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Finger splints are another common finger attachment used to stabilize and hold the finger in one position after an injury. These splints come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as metal or plastic, and can be easily adjusted with Velcro or fabric straps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pulse oximeter |
| Description | A small, clip-like device |
| Attachment | Most commonly attached to a finger, but can also be attached to a toe or earlobe |
| Purpose | To see if blood is well oxygenated |
| Function | Measures oxygen in the blood using red and infrared light; the infrared light is absorbed by oxygenated hemoglobin and the red light is absorbed by deoxygenated hemoglobin |
| Use Cases | Monitoring health of people with conditions that affect blood oxygen levels; evaluating sleep apnea; determining need for oxygen supplementation or more serious interventions like intubation and ventilation |
| Availability | Available for home use and in hospitals |
| History | Invented in 1972 by Japanese bioengineer Takuo Aoygai; popularized in 1978 by Dr. William New, an anesthesiologist at Stanford University |
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What You'll Learn
- Pulse oximetry: A small, clip-like device attached to the finger to measure oxygen levels in the blood
- Finger splints: Medical devices that stabilise and immobilise injured fingers, aiding healing and reducing pain
- Types of finger splints: Gutter, ulnar gutter, and two-finger splints made from metal or plastic
- Adjustability: Finger splints are adjustable with Velcro, fabric straps, or tape, making them customisable and easy to remove
- At-home pulse oximetry: Pulse oximeters can be used at home to monitor health, especially for those with conditions affecting blood oxygen levels
Pulse oximetry: A small, clip-like device attached to the finger to measure oxygen levels in the blood
Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method used to estimate the levels of oxygen in the blood. A pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like device that can be attached to the finger, earlobe, or toe. It is placed on a body part with good blood supply, most commonly the finger, to measure oxygen saturation in the blood. This is a painless process that does not require a blood sample.
The device uses small beams of light to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood by analysing changes in light absorption in oxygenated or deoxygenated blood. It can also provide information about the pulse rate or heart rate. Pulse oximeters are widely used in critical care settings such as emergency rooms and hospitals, as well as in outpatient and home settings. They are useful for monitoring the health of individuals with conditions that affect blood oxygen levels.
Over-the-counter pulse oximeters are available for purchase without a prescription. However, it is important to note that these devices may not always provide accurate readings and should not replace medical advice. The FDA has acknowledged concerns regarding the accuracy of pulse oximeters in individuals with darker skin pigmentation and is working to address these limitations.
When using a pulse oximeter, it is essential to ensure that the hand is warm, relaxed, and below heart level. Any jewellery or fingernail polish should be removed from the finger to ensure an accurate reading. Pulse oximeters can be useful for monitoring general health, tracking symptoms of COVID-19 or other conditions, and during sports activities such as mountain climbing or running.
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Finger splints: Medical devices that stabilise and immobilise injured fingers, aiding healing and reducing pain
Finger splints are medical devices used to stabilise and immobilise injured fingers, aiding the healing process and reducing pain. They are one of the most common devices prescribed to treat a variety of injuries. They come in various shapes, sizes and materials, and a healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate type based on the injury. For example, gutter splints are usually made of metal or plastic and are U-shaped or semicircular to support the finger from the sides and the palmar side. Ulnar gutter splints are a variation that starts at the forearm, covering the wrist and wrapping around the ring and little fingers. Two-finger splints involve surrounding the injured finger with metal or plastic and taping or bandaging it to the adjacent finger.
Finger splints are easy to apply and remove, and they are also adjustable, typically with Velcro, fabric straps or tape. This adjustability is particularly useful if the finger is swollen immediately after the injury. They are generally smaller and more compact than casts, allowing for easier daily use. If advised by a healthcare provider, individuals can remove the splint while showering or bathing.
It is important to wear the finger splint as frequently as instructed by the healthcare provider to ensure proper and swift healing. Removing the splint too often or not wearing it as suggested may prolong the healing process or lead to reinjury. Individuals should consult their healthcare provider if they experience severe pain, worsening swelling, discoloration, bruising, or changes in finger sensation.
Finger splints are typically available for purchase online or at local pharmacies. Healthcare providers can guide individuals in selecting the appropriate type of splint and instruct them on safe usage. By stabilising and immobilising the injured finger, finger splints facilitate healing and provide relief from pain and inflammation.
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Types of finger splints: Gutter, ulnar gutter, and two-finger splints made from metal or plastic
Finger splints are medical devices used to stabilise injured fingers and hold them in one position to prevent further damage. They are usually smaller than casts and are designed to be easier to incorporate into your daily routine. They are also typically pre-made and not custom-fit to the finger, although custom-fitted splints are an option.
There are several types of finger splints, including gutter splints, ulnar gutter splints, two-finger splints, stack splints, and dynamic splints. Gutter splints are usually made of metal or plastic and are shaped like a U or half-circle that runs under and around the finger, supporting it from the sides and the palmar side. Ulnar gutter splints are a variation of gutter splints that start at the forearm, cover the wrist, and wrap around the ring and little fingers. They are commonly used for nondisplaced, stable fractures of the fourth or fifth metacarpal and serious soft tissue injuries of the fourth or fifth phalanx.
Two-finger splints involve surrounding the injured finger with metal or plastic and then taping or bandaging it to the adjacent finger. Stack splints fit over the end of the injured finger, covering and supporting the tip, the palmar side, and the sides of the finger. They are used to treat the tip of a finger, holding it up straight so it does not bend. Stack splints are available in different sizes and are made of plastic with holes to promote airflow.
Dynamic splints consist of a frame that may include a spring or hinged joint, allowing for supported finger movement. They are typically made of plastic, foam, and metal, and they are suitable for night-time wear or while resting.
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Adjustability: Finger splints are adjustable with Velcro, fabric straps, or tape, making them customisable and easy to remove
Finger splints are a common medical device used to treat various finger injuries. They are designed to stabilise and immobilise the finger, holding it in one position to promote healing, reduce pain and prevent further injury. Finger splints come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, and can be easily adjusted to fit different fingers and injuries.
The adjustability of finger splints is one of their key advantages. They typically feature Velcro, fabric straps, or tape, which allows for customisation and a secure fit. This adjustability ensures that the splint can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient, providing the necessary support and stabilisation for their particular injury. It also enables the splint to accommodate any swelling that may occur after the injury, providing comfort and flexibility during the healing process.
Velcro is a common adjustment feature on finger splints, offering a quick and convenient way to secure the splint in place. It allows for easy adjustment to ensure a snug fit, and the hook-and-loop mechanism provides a strong and reliable closure. Fabric straps are another popular option, providing a soft and flexible alternative to Velcro. These straps can be tied or fastened in a variety of ways, allowing for a customised and comfortable fit.
Tape is sometimes used in conjunction with other adjustment methods, or as a primary means of securing the splint. It can provide a strong and stable hold, and is particularly useful for attaching the splint to the surrounding fingers or hand, ensuring that the injured finger remains immobile. The adjustability of finger splints is a significant advantage, as it allows healthcare providers to customise the treatment to the patient's specific needs.
The ability to easily remove finger splints is also beneficial, particularly when compared to more permanent immobilisation methods such as casts. This removability allows patients to take off the splint when showering or bathing, improving comfort and convenience. Additionally, the adjustability of finger splints ensures that they can be easily tightened or loosened as needed, providing the optimal level of compression and support throughout the healing process.
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At-home pulse oximetry: Pulse oximeters can be used at home to monitor health, especially for those with conditions affecting blood oxygen levels
Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) in the blood. It is a quick, non-invasive, and painless procedure that carries no risks. A small, clip-like device called a pulse oximeter is attached to a body part, most commonly the finger, but also the earlobe or toe. The device emits light that passes through the fingernail, skin, tissue, and blood, measuring the amount of oxygen in the blood. This information helps healthcare providers decide if a person needs extra oxygen.
Pulse oximetry is particularly useful for monitoring the health of people with conditions that affect blood oxygen levels, such as lung and heart disorders, sleep apnea, COPD, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), anemia, pneumonia, lung cancer, cardiac arrest, and heart failure. It is also used to monitor patients before, during, and after surgery, including during anesthesia, and those on certain medications that may affect respiration and lung function.
Pulse oximeters have become increasingly popular for at-home use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the virus can cause significant drops in blood oxygen saturation. At-home pulse oximetry can be useful for monitoring health, especially for those with conditions affecting blood oxygen levels. However, it is important to note that pulse oximetry may be less accurate for people with darker skin pigmentation, and any concerns should be discussed with a doctor.
To use an at-home pulse oximeter, ensure your hand is warm, relaxed, and below heart level. Remove any jewelry or fingernail polish from the finger if measuring from this location. Place the device on your finger, earlobe, or toe and keep it on for as long as needed to monitor your pulse and oxygen saturation.
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Frequently asked questions
A finger pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like device that attaches to a finger, earlobe, or toe. It is used to estimate the levels of oxygen in your blood. It is often used in hospitals and emergency rooms.
A finger pulse oximeter uses small beams of light that pass through the blood in your finger, measuring the amount of oxygen. This is a painless process.
A finger splint is a medical device that stabilizes your finger and holds it in one position. It is used to protect and support your finger after an injury. It helps reduce pain and inflammation.
