Uterine activity monitoring using impedance plethysmography
First Claim
1. A method for monitoring uterine activity of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) positioning a pair of electrodes against the skin of a patient;
(b) applying a voltage through the electrodes to enter the patient;
(c) sensing a return signal to the electrodes; and
(d) using the return signal to derive an output indicative of changes in the impedance between the electrodes.
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Abstract
A method and system for monitoring the uterine activity of a patient. A pair of electrodes are position in contact with the skin of the patient in the abdominal area. An electrical signal is introduced into the patient by the electrodes and a return signal is received and detected by the same electrodes. The return signal is analyzed and processed to produce a signal that is indicative of the uterine activity of the patient. As such, the system analyzes the electrical impedance and which changes with contractions or other uterine activity of the patient. As such, only two relatively light electrodes are utilized and both transmit and receive the electrical signal to determine changes in the impedance between the electrodes which is interpreted to be indicative of the uterine activity.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for monitoring uterine activity of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) positioning a pair of electrodes against the skin of a patient; (b) applying a voltage through the electrodes to enter the patient; (c) sensing a return signal to the electrodes; and (d) using the return signal to derive an output indicative of changes in the impedance between the electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system for monitoring the uterine activity of a patient, the system comprising;
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a pair of electrodes adapted to be positioned on the skin of the patient; a source of electricity for supplying an AC electrical signal to the electrodes, circuitry for a receiving a signal from the electrodes to determine the change in impedance between the electrodes positioned on the patient. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification