Physical and chemical sensors for medical instrumentation.

The sensor represents one of the most important aspects of a biomedical instrument in that it is concerned with the interface between the instrument and the physiologic system being measured. Examples of sensors being developed in our laboratory are presented. These include applications of a miniature silicon piezoresistive pressure transducer to measuring intrauterine and intraurethral pressures; a force sensor for use in neuromuscular control research; an instrument system for the in vivo analysis of the rheology of the uterine cervix; thin film and active biopotential electrodes for neonates; metal-metal oxide pH sensors fabricated by microelectronic techniques and thin and thick film multiple cathode polarographic oxygen sensors. Speculations on areas of future importance for biomedical sensors complete the manuscript.