SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING INTRAUTERINE CONTRACTIONS FOR NONINVASIVE INTRA-PARTUM FETAL MONITORING
First Claim
1. A device for simulating intrauterine contractions, the device comprising:
- an enclosure having an opening therethrough configured to receive a force sensor of a tocodynamometer;
a bladder configured to fit within the enclosure;
the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure release valve and a flow valve.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus to simulate intrauterine contractions to train clinicians in using a tocodynamometer (TOCO) transducer. The apparatus includes an enclosure housing an air bladder, with an opening in the enclosure for a TOCO transducer to be placed in contact with the air bladder. The air bladder is selectively pressurized by a source of compressed gas, the flow being controlled by a flow valve. A pressure release valve is provided to reduce pressure in the bladder. A pressure sensor monitors the bladder pressure, and can be used to calibrate the system to determine what bladder pressure produced a given uterine activity. The flow valve may be controlled by a software run on a processor to achieve particular uterine activity levels over a given period of time.
5 Citations
22 Claims
-
1. A device for simulating intrauterine contractions, the device comprising:
-
an enclosure having an opening therethrough configured to receive a force sensor of a tocodynamometer; a bladder configured to fit within the enclosure; the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure release valve and a flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16)
-
-
12. A device for training clinicians in the use of tocodynamometers, the device comprising:
-
a frame, the frame having an opening on a top surface, a bladder housed in the frame, the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure release valve, a pressure sensor, and a flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 20)
-
-
17. A method for training clinicians in the use of tocodynamometers, the method comprising:
-
selecting a device designed to mimic uterine contractions, the device comprising; an enclosure, the enclosure having an opening on a top surface and a second opening on a lateral side; a bladder housed in the enclosure, the bladder connected to a first end of a length of tubing, the first end of the length of tubing passing through the second opening on the lateral side of the enclosure; the length of tubing having a pressure release valve proximal to the first end, a pressure sensor, and a flow valve; connecting the second end of the length of tubing to a source of compressed gas; connecting a tocodynamometer to the enclosure with a strap, the tocodynamometer having a pressure-sensing probe, and placing the pressure-sensing probe through the opening on the top surface of the enclosure and in contact with the bladder. - View Dependent Claims (18)
-
-
19. A kit containing a device for simulating intrauterine contractions, the kit comprising:
-
an enclosure having an opening therethrough configured to receive a pressure sensor of a tocodynamometer; a bladder configured to be housed in the enclosure; a length of tubing, the length of tubing having a pressure release valve and a flow valve, and a connector configured to connect the length of tubing to a source of compressed gas.
-
-
21. A device for simulating intrauterine contractions, the device comprising:
-
an enclosure having an opening therethrough configured to receive a force sensor of a tocodynamometer; a bladder configured to fit within the enclosure; the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure release valve; and wherein the bladder is configured to be connected to a constant source of pressure. - View Dependent Claims (22)
-
Specification