SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CAPACITANCE SENSING IN MEDICAL DEVICES

Various methods and systems for the use of capacitance sensors 76 within medical devices 12 configured for patient monitoring are provided. The capacitance sensors 76 are configured to measure a change in capacitance resulting from a material (e.g., human tissue, water, gel, cloth, etc.) placed near (e.g., close proximity to) the medical device 12 and/or resulting from a material making physical contact with the medical device 12. In certain embodiments, the capacitance sensor 76 may be utilized to detect whether one or more portions of the medical sensor 12 are securely applied to the patient's tissue (e.g., sensor "on") and/or may be utilized to detect whether one or more portions of the medical sensor 12 fail to maintain secure contact with the patient's tissue (e.g., sensor "off"). Further, in certain embodiments, the capacitance sensor 76 may be utilized to distinguish between one or more types of materials (e.g., human tissue, water-based materials, etc.).