Vacuum extraction business method

• US 20050015098A1
• Filed: 07/14/2003
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medevco Inc.
• Original Assignee: Medevco Inc.
• Inventors: George, Vince L., Kennard, Robert M., Vines, Darrell L., VanHooydonk, Neil C., Vines, Victor L.
• Application Number:
  US10/619,272
• Publication Number:
  US 20050015098A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/123
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/442 without pivotal connections, e.g. using vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/445 with force indication
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/447 with force limitation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/032 pressure limiting, e.g. hydrostatic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/06 Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for

Abstract

The invention is a method of monitoring and recording factors that occur during a vacuum-based fetal extraction. In one embodiment, the method includes counting a number of pulls made with a vacuum extraction cup that is attached to a fetal head, counting a number of times the vacuum extraction cup pops off the fetal head, counting an amount of time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head, automatically recording a maximum cup pressure detected during the time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head, and counting an amount of time a pressure is within a predetermined percentage range of the maximum pressure detected during the time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring and recording factors that occur during a vacuum-based fetal extraction, comprising:

automatically counting a number of pulls made with a vacuum extraction cup that is attached to a fetal head;

automatically counting a number of times the vacuum extraction cup pops off the fetal head;

automatically counting an amount of time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head;

automatically recording a maximum cup pressure detected during the time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head; and

automatically counting an amount of time a cup pressure is within a predetermined percentage range of the maximum pressure detected during the time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a pull detector detects a pull made with a vacuum extraction cup that is attached to a fetal head.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein a pressure detector detects a pop-off of a vacuum extraction cup from a fetal head.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein a pressure detector and a clock are used to count the time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein a pressure detector detects, and then records a maximum cup pressure.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein a pressure detector and a clock are used to determine the amount of time a cup pressure is within a predetermined percentage range of the maximum pressure detected during the time the vacuum extraction cup is attached to the fetal head.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the act of automatically recording a pressure over a period of time.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the act of automatically generating and storing a time-dependent cup pressure function.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising recording at least one outcome factor.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising recording an indication of pediatrician presence.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising recording a forceps switch incident.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising recording an indication of the appearance of the fetal head upon delivery.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the appearance is recorded with at least one picture.

14. The method of claim 1 further comprising recording at least one pre-procedure factor.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the pre-procedure factor comprises at least a counseling reminder.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the pre-procedure factor comprises at least a consent factor.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the pre-procedure factor comprises at least an indication of cervical dilation.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the pre-procedure factor comprises at least a fetal positioning factor.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the pre-procedure factor comprises at least a placement of cup factor.

20. In a computer system, a method of monitoring and recording factors that occur during a vacuum-based fetal extraction, comprising:

generating a pull counting variable;

generating a pop-off counting variable;

generating a first attachment duration variable;

generating a maximum cup pressure variable;

generating a near maximum cup pressure variable; and

generating a cup pressure over time variable.