Uterine Contraction Rate Monitoring with Dynamic Threshold Alarms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing uterine contraction frequency in obstetrics are prone to inaccuracy and incompleteness, leading to potential delays or failures in recognizing abnormal contraction rates, which can result in iatrogenic injuries to the baby.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface module that receives and processes contraction signals to display the rate of uterine contractions, compares it to a threshold rate, and triggers alarm events when contractions exceed safe limits, incorporating fetal heart rate information and medication data to provide timely interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual estimation methods are used to assess contraction frequency, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to potential delays in recognizing abnormal contraction rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation (mechanical/human assessment) with electronic signal processing and automated analysis systems. The monitoring system electronically captures contraction signals, processes them through algorithms, and automatically determines contraction frequency and intensity, thereby improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a mediator between the raw contraction signals and the clinical assessment. This intermediary system includes signal conditioning circuits, processors, and display interfaces that transform raw physiological signals into interpretable clinical information, improving both accuracy and usability.
2Speed
If periodic visual assessments are performed by clinical staff, then the monitoring cost is low, but the response time to detect abnormal contraction rates is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous electronic monitoring of uterine contractions, replacing periodic manual assessments. The system continuously captures, processes, and analyzes contraction signals without interruption, ensuring that abnormal contraction rates are detected immediately as they occur, thereby eliminating time delays associated with periodic human assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the monitoring system continuously provides information about contraction frequency and intensity to clinical staff through displays and alarms. This immediate feedback loop enables rapid response to abnormal conditions, preventing the time delays that occur with periodic manual assessments.
3Reliability
If manual assessment methods are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of contraction monitoring is insufficient leading to potential iatrogenic injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service features where the monitoring system automatically performs signal processing, artifact rejection, and contraction parameter calculation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-calibrates and maintains operation, improving reliability while reducing the operational burden on clinical staff through automation of routine tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring an obstetrics patient during labour is provided. The apparatus receives a contraction signal conveying information related to occurrences of uterine contractions over time and processes his signal to derive a sequence of rates of uterine contractions over time. The apparatus also implements a Graphical User Interface (GUI) presenting a tracing of at least part of the sequence of rates of uterine contractions over time along with a threshold rate of uterine contractions GUI is dynamically adapted over time based on the contraction signal received. The sequence of rates of uterine contractions derived over time is also processed to detect occurrences of anomalous contraction rates and to identify one or more portions of the tracing corresponding to sustained anomalous contraction rate segments during which anomalous contraction rates have persisted for time durations exceeding a pre-determined time duration. The GUI is configured to trigger an alarm event in response to identification of a specific sustained anomalous contraction rate segment.