SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CAPACITANCE SENSING IN MEDICAL DEVICES

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