Which of the following is an example of a non-invasive medical device?

• A. Catheters
• B. Blood pressure monitor or pulse oximeter
• C. Pacemakers
• D. Stents

Answer: (B)

A blood pressure monitor or pulse oximeter is considered a non-invasive medical device because it measures physiological parameters without requiring any insertion into the body. These devices operate externally, using sensors or external cuffs, to obtain vital information about a patient's condition. For instance, a blood pressure monitor typically uses an inflatable cuff to measure arterial pressure, while a pulse oximeter uses light sensors to measure the oxygen saturation of blood through the skin.

In contrast, catheters, pacemakers, and stents involve some degree of invasion into the body. Catheters are inserted into vessels or cavities for various purposes, including drainage or infusion. Pacemakers are surgically implanted devices that help regulate heart rhythm, making them invasive. Likewise, stents are used to support blood vessels and are also placed inside the body through surgical procedures, categorizing them as invasive devices. Thus, the classification of blood pressure monitors and pulse oximeters as non-invasive highlights their ability to gather critical health data without interrupting the body's integrity.