System and method for simulating fetal heart rate for noninvasive intra-partum fetal monitoring
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
- an enclosure having an opening therethrough;
a bladder configured to be housed in the enclosure;
a deformable material at least partly housed in the enclosure, the deformable material configured to allow a plurality ultrasound waves to travel through the deformable material and reflect at least some of the plurality of ultrasound waves, the deformable material positioned between the bladder and the opening of the enclosure;
the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure release valve and a flow valve.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus to simulate a fetal heart rate to train clinicians in using a Doppler probe. The apparatus includes an enclosure housing a bladder, with a piece of deformable material to be placed in contact with the bladder and the Doppler probe. The bladder is selectively pressurized by a source of compressed gas, the flow being controlled by a flow valve. A pressure release valve is provided to reduce pressure in the bladder. A pressure sensor monitors the bladder pressure. The flow valve may be controlled by a software run on a processor to achieve pre-determined bladder pressures to mimic a fetal heart rate.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; a bladder configured to be housed in the enclosure; a deformable material at least partly housed in the enclosure, the deformable material configured to allow a plurality ultrasound waves to travel through the deformable material and reflect at least some of the plurality of ultrasound waves, the deformable material positioned between the bladder and the opening of the enclosure; the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure release valve and a flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A device for training clinicians in the use of Doppler probes, the device comprising:
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a rigid frame, the rigid frame having an opening on a top surface and a second opening on a lateral side; a bladder housed in the rigid frame, the bladder connected to a first end of a length of tubing, the first end of the length of tubing passing through the second opening on the lateral side of the rigid frame; a deformable material in contact with the bladder and extending through the opening of the rigid frame, the deformable material comprising a silicone gel; the length of tubing having a pressure release valve proximal to the first end a pressure sensor, and a flow valve; wherein the second end of the length of tubing is connectable to a source of compressed gas. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; an electro-mechanical device configured to simulate a fetal heartbeat housed in the enclosure; a deformable material housed in the enclosure between the opening and the electro-mechanical device; and a processor in communication with the electro-mechanical device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 20)
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18. A method for training clinicians in the use of Doppler probes, the method comprising:
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selecting a device designed to mimic uterine contractions, the device comprising; an enclosure, the enclosure having an opening on a top surface and a second opening on a side; a bladder housed in the enclosure, the bladder connected to a first end of a length of tubing, the first end of the length of tubing passing through the second opening on the lateral side of the enclosure; a deformable material in contact with the bladder and extending through the opening of the enclosure; the length of tubing having a pressure release valve proximal to the first end, a pressure sensor, and a flow valve; connecting the second end of the length of tubing to a source of compressed gas; connecting a Doppler probe to the enclosure, and placing the Doppler probe in contact with the deformable material.
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19. A kit containing a device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the kit comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; a bladder configured to be housed in the enclosure; a deformable material configured to be at least partly housed in the enclosure between the bladder and the opening; a second opening in the enclosure, and a length of tubing configured to be connected to the bladder through the second opening, the length of tubing having a pressure release valve and a flow valve.
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21. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; a bladder configured to be fit within in the enclosure; a deformable material at least partly housed in the enclosure between the bladder and the opening; the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure release valve; and
wherein the bladder is configured to be connected to a constant source of pressure. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification