Tribute to Dr. Takuo Aoyagi, inventor of pulse oximetry

Dr. Aoyagi’s final wish was to find a theory of pulse oximetry. We hope this tribute to him and his invention will inspire a new generation of scientists, clinicians, and related organizations to secure the foundation of the theory.

Dr. Takuo Aoyagi invented pulse oximetry in 1974. Pulse oximeters are widely used worldwide, most recently making headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Aoyagi passed away on April 18, 2020, aware of the significance of his invention, but still actively searching for the theory that would take his invention to new heights.

Authors: Katsuyuki Miyasaka, Kirk Shelley, Shosuke Takahashi, Hironami Kubota, Kazumasa Ito, Ikuto Yoshiya, Akio Yamanishi, Jeffrey B. Cooper, David J. Steward, Hiroshi Nishida, Joe Kiani, Hirokazu Ogino, Yasuhiko Sata, Robert J. Kopotic, Kitty Jenkin, Alex Hannenberg, Atul Gawande