Impedance Spectroscopy Cervix Scanning Apparatus and Method

• US 20090137925A1
• Filed: 11/23/2007
• Published: 05/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Divya Cantor
• Original Assignee: Divya Cantor
• Inventors: Cantor, Divya
• Application Number:
  US11/944,490
• Publication Number:
  US 20090137925A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/547
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/053 Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0538 invasively, e.g. using a catheter
• 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

Abstract

In one particular aspect of the present invention, an electrode clip is provided. The clip has a pair of lobes having opposing surfaces, and a stem extending from a side of each of the pair of lobes. A pair of tetra-pole electrodes is provided on each of the opposing surfaces. A resilient connection member joins the stems and is adapted to maintain electrical contact between the pair of tetra-pole electrodes and an actively dilating and effacing cervix.

Claims

1. An electrode clip, comprising;

a pair of lobes having opposing surfaces;

a stem extending from a side of each of said pair of lobes;

a pair of tetra-pole electrodes disposed on said pair of opposing surfaces;

said pair of lobes being pivotable with respect to each other about two or more axes; and

a resilient connection member joining said stems and adapted to maintain electrical contact between said pair of tetra-pole electrodes and an actively dilating and effacing cervix.

2. The electrode clip of claim 1, wherein said stems extend beyond said resilient connection member, away from said pair of lobes.

3. The electrode clip of claim 1, wherein said stems comprise an opening adapted to accept part of a tool to facilitate installing the clip on said cervix.

4. The electrode clip of claim 1, wherein said clip is disposable.

11. The electrode clip of claim 1, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

21. The electrode clip of claim 1, wherein said resilient member is a living hinge.

5. (canceled)

6. An electrode assembly, comprising;

a clip having a pair of lobes and a stem extending from a side of each of said pair of lobes and a pair of tetra-pole electrodes disposed on said pair of lobes;

said pair of lobes being pivotable and translatable with respect to one another;

a resilient connection member joining said stems

an applicator; and

wherein said applicator comprises a protrusion for engaging an opening in said clip.

7. The electrode assembly of claim 6, wherein said applicator is a pair of forceps.

8. The electrode assembly of claim 7, wherein said applicator is provided with a pair of jaws, adapted to move said stems together.

14. The electrode assembly of claim 6, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

22. The electrode clip of claim 6, wherein said resilient member is a living hinge.

9. An apparatus for quantifying cervical dilation and effacement comprising:

a pair of tetra-pole electrodes;

a signal generating device with data collection capabilities;

wherein said pair of tetra-pole electrodes is disposed on opposing surfaces of a clip assembly;

wherein said pair of tetra-pole electrodes maintain electrical contact between a cervix and said signal generating device; and

wherein said signal generating device is capable of collecting a cervical stromal impedance value; and

wherein said pair of tetra-pole electrodes are joined via a resilient member.

10. The apparatus for quantifying cervical dilation and effacement of claim 9, wherein said signal generating device is further provided with data conditioning and collection capabilities.

17. The apparatus for quantifying cervical dilation and effacement of claim 9, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

23. The electrode clip of claim 9, wherein said resilient member is a living hinge.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The electrode clip of cliam 1, wherein said lobes are translatable with respect To one another.