112results about "Uterine pressure measurement" patented technology

A maternal-fetal monitoring system for use during all stages of pregnancy, including antepartum and intrapartum stages. The maternal-fetal monitoring system of the subject invention comprises (1) a set of sensors; (2) an amplifying/filtering means; (3) a computing means; and (4) a graphical user interface. Accurate clinical data, which can be extracted and provided to the user in real-time using the system of the invention, include without limitation, maternal electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, maternal uterine activity signals (EHG), maternal heart rate, fetal ECG signals, and fetal heart rate. In a preferred embodiment, the maternal-fetal monitoring system of the invention includes an intelligence means, such as a neural network system, to analyze and interpret clinical data for use in clinical diagnosis antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum, as well as delivery strategy.

A real-time biological data processing PC card is lightweight, cost effective, and portable. The real-time biological data processing PC card is capable of converting a host personal computer system into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each real-time biological data processing PC card is adapted to input and process biological data from one or more biological data sensors, and is interchangeable with other real-time biological data processing PC cards. A practitioner having three different real-time biological data processing PC cards, for example, each one corresponding to a different biological data collection device, effectively carries three full-sized, powerful diagnostic instruments. The full resources of a host personal computer can be utilized and converted into a powerful diagnostic instrument, for each biological data collection device, by the insertion of one of the real-time biological data processing PC cards.

A wireless fetal and maternal monitoring system includes a fetal sensor unit adapted to receive signals indicative of a fetal heartbeat, the sensor optionally utilizing a Doppler ultrasound sensor. A short-range transmission unit sends the signals indicative of fetal heartbeat to a gateway unit, either directly or via an auxiliary communications unit, in which case the electrical coupling between the short-range transmission unit and the auxiliary communications unit is via a wired connection. The system includes a contraction actuator actuatable upon a maternal uterine contraction, which optionally is a EMG sensor. A gateway device provides for data visualization and data securitization. The gateway device provides for remote transmission of information through a data communication network. A server adapted to receive the information from the gateway device serves to store and process the data, and an interface system to permits remote patient monitoring.

An interface cable system for providing electrical interconnection between an intrauterine pressure catheter system and a monitoring system is provided. The interface cable system includes a first connector configured to provide electrical interconnection between the interface cable system and the intrauterine pressure catheter system and a second connector configured to provide electrical interconnection between the interface cable system and the monitoring system. The interface cable system also includes a plurality of conductors extending between said first connector and said second connector and a switching element for configuring the interface cable system to provide, upon operation of the switching element, a time period in which a zeroing operation of the intrauterine pressure catheter system may be performed. The interface cable system also includes an indicator for indicating that the switching element has been operated, thereby indicating that the zeroing operation may be performed during the time period.

A sensor interface system for providing a connection between at least one sensor and a maternal-fetal monitor, wherein the interface system converts electrical muscle activity captured by the sensor(s) into uterine activity data signals for use by the maternal-fetal monitor. The sensor interface system of the invention preferably includes a conversion means for converting the signals from the sensor(s) into signals similar to those produced by a tocodynamometer.

Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO₂) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal.

Systems and methods for measuring the pressure exerted between or within anatomical masses/structures, as well as the position and/or spatial dimensions of an anatomical structure. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a sensor element positionable between anatomical structures or within an anatomical structure. The sensor is operative to generate a signal indicative of the pressure being exerted therebetween or therewithin. The sensor may be operative to measure spatial dimensions between structures or within a structure. A monitor coupled to the sensor receives a signal generated thereby and provides an indication as to the spacing or pressure being measured. The systems and methods may be utilized in diagnostic tests or surgical procedures.

The invention relates to a method of monitoring a fetal heart rate, the method comprising: providing a first measurement head (104) and a second measurement head (106) and a sensor (200), the sensor (200) being comprised in the first measurement head (104) or the second measurement head (106), the sensor (200) being adapted to sense the maternal heart rate, the first measurement head (104) being adapted to sense maternal-fetal related medical data and the second measurement head (106) being adapted to sense the fetal heart rate, measuring the maternal heart rate by acquiring maternal heart rate data using the sensor (200), measuring the fetal heart rate by acquiring fetal heart rate data using the second measurement head (106), acquiring the maternal-fetal related medical data, detecting maternal-fetal heart rate coincidences by analyzing the maternal heart rate data and the fetal heart rate data.

An abdominal sonar includes an ultrasound transducer array with a plurality of ultrasound transducers. The abdominal sonar further includes at least one additional ultrasound transducer. A digital signal processor is communicatively connected to the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the at least one additional ultrasound transducer. The digital signal processor individually operates the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the at least one additional ultrasound transducer. The digital signal processor receives reflected ultrasound signals back from each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the at least one additional ultrasound transducer and converts the received reflected ultrasound signals into an audio signal. A system for monitoring a pregnancy includes an ultrasound transducer array and at least one additional ultrasound transducer. A digital signal processor is communicatively connected to the ultrasound transducer array and the at least one ultrasound transducer. The digital signal processor converts received raw fetal heart and uterine activity waveforms into an audio signal. A wireless transmitter broadcasts the received audio signal. A wireless receiver receives the broadcast audio signal. A patient monitor extracts the raw fetal heart and uterine activity waveforms from the audio signal and processes the waveforms to obtain an indication of fetal heart rate and an indication of uterine activity.

A device and method for determining location dependent biomechanical properties of internal tissues is disclosed. The device comprises an expandable probe which is insertable into an orifice of a body and into a body; a flexible conduit to conduct fluid between a fluid supply and said expandable probe; means for conducting fluid between said fluid supply and said expandable probe, said means capable of changing the volume of said expandable probe; a pressure transducer for measuring fluid pressure of said expandable probe; imaging means for detecting strain of internal tissues contacted by said expandable probe; and calculating means for determining biomechanical properties of said internal tissues.

Electronic fetal monitoring assessment tools and methods of use thereof. The electronic fetal monitoring assessment tools are useable in connection with Electronic Fetal Monitoring (“EFM”) systems, such as those EFM systems currently used by and available to medical professionals. Electronic fetal monitoring assessment tools may include an electronic measurement tool for one or more of assessing the baseline FHR, assessing variability of the baseline FHR, assessing decelerations in the FHR and/or assessing acceleration in the FHR. Electronic measurement tools may be used as electronically generated visual tools to assess one or more fetal heart rate patterns.

A combinational fetal heart rate monitor and uterine activity measuring device for use on a pregnant patient. The fetal heart rate and uterine activity monitor comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed to be attached on the abdomen of the patient and an ultrasound transducers disposed to be attached on the abdomen of the patient. An energy source is operable to generate an excitation signal and the energy source is connected to a multiplexer which is connected between the plurality of electrodes and the ultrasound transducer, the multiplexer being selectively positioned to direct the excitation signal from the energy source to either the electrode or the ultrasound transducer. An amplifier connected to the energy source compares the excitation signal to the excitation signal after it passes through the abdomen of the patient. The signal from the amplifier is demodulated and processed to calculate physiological parameter based on the change in the excitation signal.

A uterine activity monitoring device and method for monitoring uterine activity on a nearly continuous basis. The device may comprise a belt configured to fit around a pregnant patient's abdomen, with a plurality of, uterine contraction sensors. These sensors may be protruding contraction sensing buttons, disposed generally perpendicular to the patient's skin. In order to avoid signal distortions caused by patient movement, the belt will often have at least one ambient motion sensor configured to monitor non-uterine contraction movements and produce background movement signals. These ambient motion sensors may be accelerometers and stretch or pressure disposed generally parallel to the patient's skin. The device will have an onboard processor communicate wirelessly with a variety of external monitoring and management systems, such as wrist worn monitors, cell phones, and remote patient management websites.

A method, system, and computer program product are provide for, among other things, quantitative analysis of heart rate characteristics from fetal heart rate and cardiotocogram monitors that gives information about the well-being of the fetus and the risk of poor fetal outcome. The method comprises (a) continuously measuring fetal heart rate and cardiotocographic characteristics and (b) identifying at least one characteristic abnormality in the heart rate characteristics that is associated with fetal distress. Benefits are appreciated by the fetus and the mother and during the antepartum and intrapartum periods.

A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.

A fetal and maternal monitoring system is provided, including one or more sensing devices, a central control device which receives signals from, and provides power to, the sensing devices, and a gateway device in wireless communication with the central control device for visualization of data received from the central control device and transmission of the received data to a remote location over a network. The one or more sensing devices may include a fetal heart rate monitor (FHR), a strain gauge tocodynamometer (TOCO), maternal heart rate monitor (MHR), blood pressure monitor or other wearable health or fitness sensing device which require only a basic sensor and rely upon the central control device for processing and power. Lighting elements on the sensing devices provide indications of signal detection and strength. The gateway device will also provide instructions to a user for performing tests and virtual physician visits.

Disclosed is an apparatus for providing a visual image timed to coincide with uterine contractions to assist a expectant mother during childbirth labor. The apparatus is particularly useful directed to help those expectant mothers using a regional anesthesia, such as an epidural anesthesia, in the second stage of labor to push effectively. The apparatus consists of a computer system that converts signals obtained from strategically positioned sensors such as a tocodynamometer or intrauterine pressure catheter into biofeedback visual vignettes that are understandable to the expectant mother. The signals are processed into the visual vignettes or a similar pictorial image based upon the pressure of the uterine contractions so that the expectant mother may understand her contraction pattern. This in turn will allow the expectant mother to visually understand when to start and stop pushing during the second stage of labor.

Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO₂) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal.

The signal replication medical apparatus includes an input adapted to receive at least one medical signal transmitted via a first medical device coupled to the body of a patient, signal processing circuitry adapted to generate at least one replicated signal from the at least one medical signal, and an output. The at least one replicated signal is indicative of being transmitted via a second medical device different than the first medical device. The output is adapted to deliver the at least one replicated signal to an external device configured to receive signals from the second medical device.