Cervical dilation and depth measurement device and cervical stimulation for pregnant mothers

Abstract

This design is related to measuring dilation and effacement during labor and cervical stimulation. To assess the progress of labor, midwives and obstetricians measure the length and opening of the cervix using their two fingers (index and middle fingers), both experimentally and mentally. The goal of this design is to eliminate manual intervention and ensure accuracy and ease in measuring, opening, and massaging the cervix. This design is a graduated instrument with small balls with the ability to adjust the size through an air pump located in the head of the instrument that helps to open and massage the cervix. In this instrument, calculations can be easily done through trigonometric relationships. This device has the ability to store and send information.

Description

Description of the invention Title of the invention Device for measuring cervical dilation and depth and cervical stimulation for pregnant mothers Technical background of the relevant invention This design is related to measuring cervical dilation and depth during labor and cervical stimulation during labor. It can be Technical problem and stating the objectives of the invention To check the progress of labor, the midwife or obstetrician-gynecologist needs to check the dilation (opening) of the cervix and the effacement (softening and thinning) of the cervix. For this check, the midwife or gynecologist can perform the necessary checks mentally and approximately using two of her fingers (index and middle fingers) and considering the distance between the two fingers.The aim of this design is to eliminate manual intervention and increase measurement accuracy, because in a hospital environment, there is a high risk of infection and bacterial transmission. In addition, the examination gloves are not sterile and may tear during the examination. Given that most women today use nail extensions, there is a possibility of scratching the baby's head. In addition, the pregnant mother is uncomfortable and annoyed during the examination by a midwife or even by students due to lack of experience in learning examination topics and the examination process is prolonged and the pregnant mother remains in the same state. This design helps to speed up the examination process and the accuracy necessary to understand the progress of the pregnant mother because it frees the examiner from mental calculations and for ease of handling, information is stored that helps to easily understand the progress. Given that sometimes midwives or specialists use cervical massage to stimulate the cervix to accelerate labor, this design includes balls with the ability to change size in the head of the instrument, which provides this opportunity for the examiner to accelerate the labor process.The idea is designed to allow the electronics and other components to be separated and easily sterilized and dried. A description of the state of the prior art and the history of developments related to the claimed invention. In the patent number US20240057935 dated 2024.02.22 with the name NON-INVASIVE CERVICAL DILATION MONITORING The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device that provides an accurate and non-invasive method for determining the effacement and dilation of the cervix. In some examinations, the present invention has a method for monitoring the progress of labor and obtaining physiological measurements of the fetus during labor. In this invention, the ultrasound transmitter and receiver can function by emitting and receiving ultrasound energy or as an optoacoustic receiver as usual. When operating as an optoacoustic receiver, short pulsed light with selected wavelengths is directed towards the cervix and is absorbed by target chromophores (such as oxy or deoxyhemoglobin, lipids or melanin) and produces an acoustic wave that the ultrasound transmitter can detect. . The choice of ultrasound frequency (7 to 25 MHz or higher) provides resolution (to 0.1 mm or less) at depths of up to 9 cm or more and an image field width of 90 degrees.In addition, using an ultrasound transmitter and receiver device with a light-emitting fiber and optoacoustic signal recording may be able to continuously monitor the oxygen level of the mother and fetus. According to the explanations provided, the device requires a specialist to use and its use by midwives cannot be confirmed. In addition, long-term use of the device has possible complications. The cost of implementing the plan is high and it cannot be purchased in large numbers and the feasibility in low-income communities is low. Data storage will be difficult. If the idea does not require complex technology and ultrasonic waves or other waves, data storage is done properly and it can be used in all centers and communities. It can be prepared with the number needed by the center to speed up the process. In addition, the person being examined does not have to use his hands and fingers again to stimulate the cervix. In the patent number CN116269326 dated 2023. 06.23, entitled Cervical orifice size measuring system and equipment based on monocular camera equipment, this invention provides a cervical orifice size measuring system based on monocular camera equipment. The method includes the following steps: receiving a collected image from the monocular camera equipment, where the collected image includes the cervix and a reference object connected to the monocular camera equipment; obtaining the pixel size of the reference object and finally obtaining the pixel size of the pair of measurement points; Accordingly, it can perform the measurement. According to the description of the aforementioned invention, in measuring with a camera, there is a possibility of error in small dimensions. The amount of light in the image, considering the darkness of the environment, the quality of the image itself, and the need for calibration are among the factors affecting the accuracy of the measurement provided. However, in the aforementioned idea, the environment, light, and dimensions do not affect the accuracy of the measurement and there is no need for calibration. In the patent number WO2023081416 dated 11.05.2023, named A GUIDING AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEM FOR CERVICAL EXAMINATION OF GRAVID PATIENTS, this invention is a flexible semicircular device for examining the degree of dilatation (opening) of the cervix and effacement (softening and thinning) of the cervix and the position of the fetal head relative to the mother's pelvis. In this invention, due to the stated dimensions, this device is larger than the aforementioned idea, and in this invention, the intervention of the hand and lubricating gel is again required to place the device. In addition, the flexibility of this device reduces the accuracy of measurement and is dangerous when the baby is about to be born because getting stuck in the birth canal can cause an obstacle to the fetus and a tear in the birth canal. However, in the aforementioned design, in addition to eliminating the intervention of the hand, there is no need for the device to remain in the body and the device can be inserted and removed easily. In the patent number CN215424616 dated 2022.01.07, named Cervical measuring instrument, in this invention, the distance can be observed and measured using a graduated plate; the fixed wheel can be used to slide the measuring tape between the output tape and the measuring tape box, thereby reducing the wear of the measuring tape and extending its service life. The measuring tape can measure the width, which makes it easier to observe and use; the screw-connected battery compartment can facilitate the connection of the battery compartment, thereby facilitating its installation and removal. The spirally connected heating tube can facilitate the installation and removal of the heating tube, and the antibacterial coating can contact the skin, thereby enhancing the antibacterial ability, and can also bring the temperature to body temperature to prevent irritation caused by cold; by using two heating tubes simultaneously located in the main measuring rod and the side measuring rod, similar heating can be achieved and comfort can be increased.The main measuring rod and the side measuring rod that can rotate can measure stably and prevent displacement caused by disconnection. According to the description of the invention, this invention uses heat to avoid stimulation by cold and antibacterial properties, while some microbes are destroyed by temperature, while heat encourages a series of microbes and fungi to grow and function, having a head that may cause bruises or scratches when hitting the baby's head, while the above-mentioned invention uses a head that does not cause any damage to the baby's head, and in addition, information is stored. In the patent number US20210345940 dated 2020.05.06, named Cervix caliper, this invention is a cervical caliper that sits on the fingers (index and middle) and enters the body. To measure the cervix, according to the description of the invention, hand intervention still exists and is single-purpose. In addition, the degree of cervical effacement and stimulation is not possible without hand intervention, and there is no data storage like the aforementioned idea. In the patent registration number 103148 dated 03 / 07 / 2010, called Automatic measurement of dilation and length of the cervix based on ultrasonic waves (digital dilatometer), this invention can give us the amount of dilation and effacement using an ultrasonic system. According to the explanations mentioned in this invention, ultrasonic is used. Ultrasonic may not penetrate thicker materials well and as a result, it does not give us the necessary accuracy. To maintain accuracy, ultrasonic equipment must be calibrated regularly. If the module burns out, the device becomes completely unusable. In addition, ultrasonic waves sometimes cause hearing disorders in the newborn. However, in the aforementioned idea, there is no need to use special waves and it can be a safer solution for repeated use. In addition, if any of the parts burn out, the device can be used and its repairs will not cost much. Providing a solution to an existing technical problem along with an accurate, sufficient, and integrated description of the invention This design is a smart, scalable tool with different and necessary applications. The arms of this design (14) are connected to each other by a pin (13) consisting of a potentiometer (18) and are moved apart and closer together with a handle (16) according to the need. In one of the arms, a graduated ruler (11) is connected to the pin (13), and according to the amount that enters the vagina, we can have the size of the sides (the length of the vagina). According to the amount of penetration of the tool arm, we will have the length of two sides on each side, and according to the angle calculated with the potentiometer (18), which is done with the codes provided in the ESP32 microcontroller (1), we can obtain the opposite side, i.e. the amount of dilation, from the trigonometric relations implemented in the program, which will display the final result of the calculations on the LCD (19). If the potentiometer fails for any reason, it is also possible to manually enter information using the protractor with the pin (17) that is located on the opening for manual measurement.The head of the instrument has balls (9) to prevent damage to the baby's head and prevent scratching it and stimulate the cervix by rotating and inflating the balls through an air pump (2). By pressing the start button of the pump (8), air is transferred to the balls through the tubes (10) and inflates the balls. In addition, this feature can also be used to measure effacement. This is done in such a way that each time the start button of the pump is pressed, the pump is activated for a specific period of time and inflates the balls. Then, the diameter is measured with a ruler (11) and one of the balls is directed into the uterus. After several tests, increasing the diameter with the air pump (2) and reducing the diameter with the air discharge valve (4) of the balls and sending it into the uterus, the width of the cervix is ​​also obtained. In this idea, in order to prevent forgetting the size of dilation and effacement, the ESP32 microcontroller (1) and the Bluetooth module (5) are used. In times of internet outage, it comes to our aid. Information is stored for all patients with their names, ages, dates, and sizes. Explanation of shapes, maps and diagrams 1) ESP32 microcontroller (has WiFi for transferring data via WiFi) 2) Air pump 3) Lithium polymer battery 4) Push-button air release valve (releasing air inside the balls to reduce the radius of the balls) 5) Bluetooth module for data transmission 6) Electronic equipment placement box (can be connected to the mechanism by pressure (diameter of the part that connects to the arm) It is attached slightly smaller than the diameter of the curved part of the arm and is fixed with pressure because it is made of plastic. It is flexible (to accommodate electronic equipment) 7) The ends of the ball pipes are connected to the pump from inside the box and to the pipes from outside the box. They become. 8) Button to start the pump and inflate the balls 9) Balls (which can be made of medical silicone) 10) Air duct 11) Ruler 12) LCD and potentiometer placement box 13) Pin for ruler rotation (so that the midwife can measure the new diameter of the balls with a ruler after inflating them with a pump) (measure) 14) Arm 15) Arm connection pin (this pin is connected to the potentiometer and changes by changing the angle of the potentiometer and The angle is calculated by coding on the microcontroller and displayed on the LCD. 16) Handle 17) Marker for reading angles 18) Potentiometer 19) LCD for displaying information 20) On / Off switch 21) Battery charging module with USB A clear and precise statement of the advantages of the claimed invention over prior inventions. 1) The device is multifunctional for various measurements. 2) Necessary accuracy for measurement 3) It is simple and easy to use, and can be used in all centers and hospitals. 4) Preserving and storing information digitally 5) Simple sterilization of the device 6) The device is harmless to the baby and mother. 7) Having a surface material without damage and the possibility of breakage Description of at least one implementation method for implementing the invention This design can be used in the simplest possible way, as follows: after sterilizing the device, press the power button, then when the device is turned on, we send the arms of the design into the body (vagina) and move the handles apart as needed. As the handles move apart, the potentiometer detects and calculates the angle between them and sends the data to the program. Then, the examiner enters the length of each person's vagina, which is measured using a ruler, into the program, and the calculated dilation rate will be displayed on the LCD. According to the information received before the new examination, the progress rate can also be obtained. For example, if the dilation rate in the previous examination was 4 centimeters and in the new examination it is 5 centimeters, this number will be shown as +1. To measure effacement, the person presses the start button of the air pump. When the air pump starts working, it inflates the ball through the air delivery tube for a specific and required period of time.Then, with the pin placed in the arm for the ruler, we measure the diameter of the ball and one of the balls is guided into the uterus and by testing several times and increasing and decreasing the diameter of the ball and sending it into the uterus, the width of the cervix is ​​also obtained. To perform cervical massage, this is also possible by inflating the balls according to the instructions and rotating the handles or keeping it fixed. Explicit mention of the industrial application of the invention This design can be used in all delivery rooms, hospitals, health centers, and offices for examinations. Appearance.

Claims

Claim What is claimed: Claim 1) This device is an examination device in the field of obstetrics and gynecology that consists of two parts, the first part that is placed inside the body, the main parts of which include balls, air transfer tube, ruler. Its outer part that is placed outside the body includes its electrical part that includes an air pump, esp32 microcontroller, potentiometer, LCD for displaying information, on and off switch, battery charging module with USB, LCD and potentiometer placement box, Bluetooth module, lithium polymer battery and pump start button, air release valve button and handle. Claim 2) According to claim 1, the balls, which are made of medical silicone, are intended to prevent damage to the baby's head and cause scratches, as well as stimulate the cervix and measure effacement. Claim 3) According to claim number 1, by pressing the start button of the air pump, the balls become larger and change their dimensions through the air pump and air transfer pipe, and by pressing the air discharge valve button, we reduce the radius of the balls. Claim 4) According to claim number 1, the ruler is attached to the device with a pin and determines the length of the vagina and the dimensions of the balls to understand the degree of dilation and effacement. Claim 5) According to claim number 1, in the external part of the device, the ESP32 microcontroller receives and stores information and sends it to the intended application using WiFi. Claim 6) According to claim number 1 in the external number section of the device, it receives and stores information using the Bluetooth module and sends it to the intended application. This module is intended to ensure and compensate for internet outages or problems. Claim 7) According to claim 1, a lithium polymer battery that can be charged via a USB battery charging module that supplies energy to the boards and components. Claim 8) According to claim number 1, we turn the device's power supply off and on with the on / off switch to prevent wasting battery energy. Claim 9) According to claim number 1, the pin connecting the arms together is actually the device's potentiometer, and as the handles move away and closer, our angle changes, and the dimensions of the front side are calculated by entering the length of the sides and entering the angle with the coding done on the microcontroller and displayed on the LCD. Claim 10) According to claim number 9, according to the considered computational codes, we enter the length manually and the angle information is recorded via the potentiometer and the dilation information is presented on the LCD. Claim 11) According to claim number 10 in the codes, the air transfer pipe head can be adjusted automatically and the balls can be adjusted manually to achieve the highest possible measurement accuracy.

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