System, apparatus, and method for monitoring and assessing the level of fetal risk during labor

Abstract

An apparatus for identifying the level of fetal risk during labor, the apparatus comprising: at least one computer operative to receive input signals indicative of at least fetal heart rate ("FHR") and maternal uterine activity in a patient, the computer operative (i) to determine baseline FHR variability, FHR accelerations, and FHR decelerations, and (ii) to determine when each of at least (a) FHR, (b) baseline FHR variability, (c) FHR accelerations, (d) FHR decelerations, and (e) maternal uterine activity exhibit at least one non-reassuring characteristic from among a plurality of pre-defined non-reassuring characteristics for at least the parameters (a) through (e). The computer is further operative to (iii) receive user-inputs indicative of the presence in the patient of one or more (f) maternal risk factors, (g) obstetrical risk factors, and (h) fetal risk factors which elevate the level of fetal risk during labor, and (iv) to determine at a given point in time during labor a present level of risk to the fetus which takes into account only: the total number of the parameters (a) through (e) that are each simultaneously, independently exhibit at least one of the non-reassuringcharacteristics at the given point in time during labor, and the total number of the parameters (f) through (h) which are present. An output depicts in a single graphical user interface one or more ofthe parameters (a) through (h) over time during labor, and the appearance of which single graphical user interface includes indicia for indicating the determined present level of risk to the fetus atany given point in time during labor and signaling the need for possible intervention in labor.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is related to, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 425,018, filed November 21, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0003] field of invention [0004] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for identifying fetal risk during childbirth by taking into account electronic fetal monitoring and multiple parameters of the fetus, obstetrics and mother, and converting these parameters into a corresponding risk level indication of the fetus during childbirth. [0005] technical background [0006] It is well known that when fetal status is compromised, reductions in maternal cardiac output, maternal blood oxygenation, or maternal uterine blood flow place the fetus at significant subsequent risk of developing fetal hypoxia and asphyxia (metabolic acidosis) and its sequelae, which often include poor oxygenation. An estimat...

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Problems solved by technology

However, EOD can cause significant interruptions to the labor seque

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