Obstetrical imaging system and integrated fetal vacuum extraction system

• US 20030220542A1
• Filed: 12/17/2001
• Published: 11/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Amir Belson, Doron Kreiser
• Original Assignee: Amir Belson, Doron Kreiser
• Inventors: Belson, Amir, Kreiser, Doron
• Application Number:
  US10/024,656
• Publication Number:
  US 20030220542A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/109
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00052 positioned at proximal end of the endoscope body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00148 using anchoring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0607 for annular illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/303 for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/442 without pivotal connections, e.g. using vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00221 with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00438 connectable to a finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/445 with force indication
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/447 with force limitation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/306 using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 42/00 Surgical gloves; Finger-stalls specially adapted for surgery; Devices for handling or treatment thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 42/10 Surgical gloves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/288 for foetal cardiography, e.g. scalp electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 Head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6834 using vacuum

Abstract

A finger-mounted obstetrical imaging system is described for augmenting digital pelvic examination and other obstetrical procedures with videoendoscopic visualization. An obstetrical imaging system integrated with a fetal vacuum extraction instrument is described using tissue transillumination to assist in proper placement of the vacuum extraction instrument on the head of a fetus during delivery. Rigid and articulable uteroscopes are described using a transparent inflatable balloon to provide a clear visual field within a patient'"'"'s uterine cavity.

Claims

1. An obstetrical imaging system, comprising:

an optical imaging system configured to be mounted on a user'"'"'s hand, the optical imaging system having smoothly tapered proximal and distal ends for ease of insertion and removal of the miniaturized video camera in a body cavity of a patient;

an illumination subsystem configured to provide light in the visual field of the optical imaging system; and

a display monitor for displaying images from the optical imaging system.

2. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the optical imaging system comprises a miniaturized video camera.

3. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the optical imaging system is mounted on a ring configured to attach the optical imaging system to one or more fingers of the user'"'"'s hand.

4. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the optical imaging system is equipped with a panoramic lens for imaging a large portion of the interior of the patient'"'"'s body cavity.

5. An obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system, comprising:

a vacuum-gripping cup configured for connection to a vacuum source;

an optical imaging system configured to view an area distal to the vacuum-gripping cup; and

an illumination subsystem configured to provide light in the visual field of the optical imaging system.

6. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 5, wherein the optical imaging system comprises a miniaturized video camera.

7. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 5, wherein the illumination subsystem is configured to direct light through tissue within the visual field of the optical imaging system.

8. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 7, wherein the illumination subsystem is configured to emit light from a distal rim of the vacuum-gripping cup.

9. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 5, wherein the optical imaging system is configured to view an area within the interior of the vacuum-gripping cup.

10. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 5, further comprising a fetal scalp electrode mounted on a distal rim of the vacuum-gripping cup.

11. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 5, further comprising a tension meter for measuring tension applied to the vacuum-gripping cup.

12. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 11, further comprising an audible alarm for indicating when a predetermined level of tension has been reached.

13. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 5, further comprising an adjustable drag mechanism for limiting tension applied to the vacuum-gripping cup.

14. The obstetrical imaging and fetal extraction system of claim 5, wherein the vacuum-gripping cup is configured with a plurality of vacuum chambers with independently controllable vacuum levels.

15. An obstetrical imaging system, comprising:

an optical imaging system mounted on an elongated shaft configured for insertion into a body cavity of a patient; and

a transparent inflatable balloon mounted on the elongated shaft surrounding the optical imaging system.

16. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 15, wherein the optical imaging system comprises a miniaturized video camera.

17. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 15, wherein the elongated shaft is rigid.

18. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 15, wherein the elongated shaft is flexible.

19. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 15, wherein the elongated shaft is articulable.

20. The obstetrical imaging system of claim 15, wherein the optical imaging system is equipped with a panoramic lens for imaging a large portion of the interior of the patient'"'"'s body cavity.