Dr. Takuo Aoyagi, a Japanese bioengineer, was the first to invent pulse oximetry in 1974. 2 The pulse oximeter is based on the light absorption characteristics of hemoglobin at different wavelengths.

As a triple threat of respiratory illnesses – flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV – sweeps the United States, emergency departments are using one small tool more than usual to ...