Cervimeter

• US 20070156067A1
• Filed: 12/29/2005
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intrapartum LLC
• Original Assignee: Intrapartum LLC
• Inventors: Baird, Tim, Dubey, Dharmesh
• Granted Patent: US 7,527,601 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/588
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0247 Pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/043 in a linear array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/247 Hygienic covers, i.e. for covering the sensor or apparatus during use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1076 for measuring dimensions inside body cavities, e.g. using catheters A61B3/1005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/435 Assessing cervix alteration or dilation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6885 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure

Abstract

The present invention provides a medical device for measuring cervical dilation including an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the elongate body. An array of movable elements may be disposed circumferentially about the elongate body, where the array of movable elements is movably coupled to the distal end of the elongate body by a plurality of wires. The medical device may further include a measurement mechanism able to determine a radial spacing of the array of movable elements, as well as a dilation indicator in communication with the measurement mechanism. One or more pressure sensors may be coupled to the array of movable elements, whereby a control element is in communication with the pressure sensors. In addition, an inflation source may be included in fluid communication with the expandable element.

Claims

1. A medical device for measuring cervical dilation, comprising:

an array of movable elements disposed circumferentially about an axis;

a measurement mechanism able to determine a radial spacing of the array of movable elements; and

a dilation indicator in communication with the measurement mechanism.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, further comprising an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the array of movable elements are movably coupled to the distal end of the elongate body.

3. The medical device according to claim 2, wherein the array of movable elements is coupled to the elongate body by a plurality of wires.

4. The medical device according to claim 3, wherein the measurement mechanism includes a tension ring coupled to the plurality of wires.

5. The medical device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor coupled to at least one of the movable elements.

6. The medical device according to claim 5, further comprising a control element in communication with the at least one pressure sensor.

7. The medical device according to claim 2, further comprising a distal pad coupled to the distal end of the elongate body.

8. The medical device according to claim 7, further comprising a distal pressure sensor coupled to the distal pad.

9. The medical device according to claim 1, further comprising an actuating mechanism.

10. The medical device according to claim 9, wherein the actuating mechanism includes an expandable element.

11. The medical device according to claim 10, further comprising an inflation source in fluid communication with the expandable element.

12. The medical device according to claim 1, further comprising a sheath disposed about at least a portion of the array of movable elements.

13. The medical device according to claim 1, further comprising an outer cushion coupled to at least one of the movable elements.

14. The medical device according to claim 2, further comprising a camera coupled to the distal end of the elongate body.

15. The medical device according to claim 14, further comprising a lighting element coupled to the distal end of the elongate body.

16. A medical device for measuring cervical dilation, comprising:

an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end;

an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the elongate body;

an array of movable elements disposed circumferentially about an axis, wherein the array of movable elements is movably coupled to the distal end of the elongate body by a plurality of wires;

a measurement mechanism able to determine a radial spacing of the array of movable elements, wherein the measurement mechanism includes a tension ring coupled to the plurality of wires;

a dilation indicator in communication with the measurement mechanism;

at least one pressure sensor coupled to at least one of the array of movable elements;

a control element in communication with the at least one pressure sensor; and

an inflation source in fluid communication with the expandable element.

17. The medical device according to claim 16, further comprising an exhaust valve in fluid communication with the expandable element.

18. The medical device according to claim 16, further comprising a distal pad coupled to the elongate body.

19. The medical device according to claim 18, further comprising a distal pressure sensor coupled to the distal pad.

20. The medical device according to claim 19, wherein the control element is further in communication with the distal pressure sensor.

21. The medical device according to claim 16, further comprising a sheath disposed about at least a portion of the array of movable elements.

22. A medical device for measuring cervical dilation, comprising:

an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body further including an inflation lumen;

an expandable element coupled to the elongate body in fluid communication with the inflation lumen;

an array of movable elements circumferentially disposed about the elongate body, the array of movable elements being movably coupled to the elongate body by a plurality of wires;

a measurement mechanism able to determine a radial spacing of the array of movable elements, wherein the measurement mechanism includes a tension ring coupled to the plurality of wires;

a dilation indicator in communication with the measurement mechanism;

at least one pressure sensor coupled to at least one of the array of movable elements;

a distal pressure sensor coupled to the distal end of the elongate body;

a control element in communication with the at least one pressure sensor and the distal pressure sensor;

an inflation source in fluid communication with the expandable element; and

an exhaust valve in fluid communication with the expandable element.