Fetal probe having an optical imaging device

• US 20020068852A1
• Filed: 08/01/2001
• Published: 06/06/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Inventors: Walsh, John, Coakley, Joe, Fein, Marcia, Weber, Bryan
• Granted Patent: US 6,719,686 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/160
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00052 positioned at proximal end of the endoscope body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00177 for 90 degrees side-viewing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0615 for radial illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/303 for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14542 for measuring blood gases A61B5/14551 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1464 specially adapted for foetal tissue

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing visual feedback to aid in the proper placement and location of a fetal sensor during a fetal oximetry monitoring procedure. An imaging device, such as an optical fiber can be used to image and illuminate the same or nearby region of tissue which the fetal sensor contacts. The image from the illuminated portion of tissue is transmitted along the optical fiber to an optical viewing device such as a hand-held image viewing instrument, camera, or an image processor/video display.

Claims

1. A fetal probe comprising:

a body;

a fetal sensor coupled to the body; and

an imaging device coupled to the body to provide visual feedback of the position of the fetal sensor.

2. The fetal probe of claim 1 wherein the imaging device comprises an optical fiber bundle comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the optical fiber bundle is positioned on the body.

3. The fetal probe of claim 2 wherein the proximal end of the optical fiber bundle is operatively coupled to a viewing display for displaying an image of at least one of a portion of a fetus and a surrounding in utero environment.

4. The fetal probe of claim 3 wherein the viewing device comprises an eye piece, a video monitor, or camera.

5. The fetal probe of claim 2 wherein the fetal sensor comprises a light emitter and a light detector, wherein illumination of the fetus is by the light emitter.

6. The fetal probe of claim 5 wherein the light emitter emits infrared light.

7. The fetal probe of claim 2 further comprising focusing means positioned on at least one of the distal portion and proximal portion of the optical fiber bundle.

8. The fetal probe of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a surface, wherein the imaging device is recessed from the surface to provide a wider field of view.

9. The fetal probe of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a surface, wherein the imaging device is positioned substantially along a plane of the surface to reduce the field of view.

10. The fetal probe of claim 1 wherein the imaging device is positioned on the body so as to directly contact the fetus.

11. The fetal probe of claim 1 wherein the imaging device is integral with the body.

12. The fetal probe of claim 1 wherein the imaging device is removably coupled to the body.

13. The fetal probe of claim 1 further comprising an illumination device on the body.

14. The fetal probe of claim 1 wherein altering means are operatively coupled to the imaging device for altering an image.

16. The fetal probe of claim 15 wherein the light emitter emits visible light.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

contacting the fetal sensor with the portion of the fetus that is adjacent the fetal sensor; and

illuminating the portion of the fetus that is in contact with the fetal sensor.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the imaging device is an optical fiber bundle, wherein illuminating the fetus is through at least one optical fiber.

20. The method of claim 17 monitoring the position of the fetal probe during labor.

21. The method of claim 17 further comprising removing the imaging device from the fetal probe.

22. The method of claim 17 further comprising altering the image.

23. The method of claim 17 wherein imaging comprises moving the imaging device to create a larger field of view.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising verifying placement of the fetal probe during labor.

26. The method of claim 24 further comprising scanning the fetus to create a larger field of view.

15. A fetal probe comprising:

a body;

a light emitter coupled to the body; and

a dual mode light detector coupled to the body, wherein the light detector in a first mode can detect light from the light emitter to provide a visualization of a fetus, and wherein the light detector in a second mode processes spectral oximetry data.

17. A method of positioning a fetal probe adjacent a fetus, the method comprising:

placing a fetal probe comprising a fetal sensor in close proximity to the fetus;

imaging at least one of a portion of the fetus and a surrounding in utero environment that is in close proximity to the fetal sensor with an imaging device that is coupled to the fetal probe; and

transmitting an image to a viewing device to provide a visual indication of the position of the fetal sensor.

24. A method of monitoring a fetus, the method comprising:

advancing a fetal probe into contact with the fetus, wherein a fetal sensor is coupled to the fetal probe;

monitoring the position of the fetal sensor with an imaging device that is attached to the fetal probe; and

adjusting the position of the fetal probe if it is determined that the position of the fetal sensor is not adequate for desired monitoring of the fetus.