Cervimetry control apparatus
First Claim
1. A cervimetry device for measuring cervical dilation, comprising:
- an expandable element;
an inflation source in communication with the expandable element; and
a control element for controlling the inflation source and indicating a cervical dilation measurement.
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Accused Products
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.
112 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A cervimetry device for measuring cervical dilation, comprising:
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an expandable element; an inflation source in communication with the expandable element; and a control element for controlling the inflation source and indicating a cervical dilation measurement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A cervimetry device for measuring cervical dilation, comprising:
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an expandable element; an array of movable elements disposed about the expandable element; an inflation source in communication with the expandable element; at least one pressure sensor coupled to at least one of the array of movable elements; and a control element for controlling the inflation source and indicating a cervical dilation measurement, wherein the control element is in communication with the at least one pressure sensor.
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14. A method for performing a cervical procedure, comprising the steps of:
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providing a cervimetry device including an expandable element, an inflation source in communication with the expandable element, and a control element for controlling the inflation source and indicating a cervical dilation measurement; positioning the cervimetry device proximate to a cervical tissue region; operating the inflation source to expand the expandable element and contact the cervical tissue region; measuring a contact pressure between at least a portion of the cervimetry device and the cervical tissue region; and terminating operation of the inflation source in response to the measured pressure level. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method for performing a cervical procedure, comprising the steps of:
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providing a cervimetry device including an expandable element, an inflation source in communication with the expandable element, and a control element for controlling the inflation source and indicating a cervical dilation measurement; positioning the cervimetry device proximate to a cervical tissue region; operating the inflation source to expand the expandable element; measuring a dimension of the expandable element; and terminating operation of the inflation source in response to the measured dimension. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification