Adjustable Transabdominal Fetal Oximetry Device for Uterine Tone Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring fetal health, such as fetal heart rate monitoring, are inefficient in determining fetal distress and often provide false positive results, leading to unnecessary Cesarean sections.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and devices for transabdominal fetal oximetry and uterine tone determination, equipped with articulating, adjustable, and selectable components like light sources and photodetectors, which can adjust their position to optimize signal strength and adapt to the fetal position within the maternal abdomen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fetal heart rate monitoring methods are used, then the monitoring process is simple, but the accuracy in determining fetal distress is poor and false positive results occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical fetal heart rate monitoring with optical measurement principles. A light source emits light through the maternal abdomen to the fetus, and a photodetector captures transmitted light to measure fetal hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels. This optical substitution enables direct measurement of fetal oxygenation status, improving diagnostic accuracy while reducing false positives from heart rate alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transmit information about fetal physiological state through the maternal abdomen. The light serves as a non-invasive carrier that can penetrate tissue and interact with fetal hemoglobin, allowing indirect but accurate assessment of fetal oxygen saturation without direct fetal contact or invasive monitoring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed position light sources and detectors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to adapt to fetal position changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities for both the light source and photodetector. The light source can be rotated and translated to different positions and orientations, while the photodetector similarly adjusts its position and angle. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to track fetal movement and maintain optimal optical alignment throughout pregnancy, improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the positioning system into independent adjustable components - separate rotation and translation mechanisms for the light source, and separate adjustment mechanisms for the photodetector. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to achieve comprehensive positional adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then the measurement capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light sources that emit at multiple specific wavelengths (such as 660 nm and 940 nm) to enable pulse oximetry measurements. By varying the wavelength parameter of the incident light, the system can differentially measure absorption characteristics of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, calculating oxygen saturation levels with high accuracy through ratio-based analysis of transmitted light intensities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These systems provide a more accurate assessment of fetal health by determining fetal hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels and uterine tone, reducing the number of unnecessary Cesarean sections and associated complications.
Implementation Method 1
A light source may be configured to project light into the abdomen of a pregnant mammal toward a fetus contained therein
Implementation Method 2
The light source may be coupled to a first end of a first arm that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first arm may be coupled to the light source and the second end of the first arm may be coupled to a housing
Implementation Method 3
The first arm and/or the second arm may be configured to articulate relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A system and/or device for transabdominal fetal oximetry and/or fetal pulse oximetry and/or uterine tone determination may include one or more articulating, adjustable, and/or selectable components such as a light source and/or a photodetector. In some embodiments, the positioning of a light source and/or detector may be adjustable. The articulation and/or adjustment of position of the light source and/or photodetector may be in any plane (X, Y, and/or Z) and, in some instances, may be responsive to a fetal position within a maternal abdomen. Light detected by the detectors may be used to determine a fetal hemoglobin oxygen saturation level and/or a muscular state (e.g., contracted or relaxed) of the pregnant mammal's uterus.