SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING FETAL HEART RATE FOR NONINVASIVE INTRA-PARTUM FETAL MONITORING
First Claim
1. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
- an enclosure having an opening therethrough;
a bladder configured to be housed in the enclosure;
a piece of deformable material sized to be at least partly housed in 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 a fetal heart rate to train clinicians in using a Doppler probe. The apparatus includes an enclosure housing a bladder, with a piece of deformable material to be placed in contact with the bladder and the Doppler probe. The 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. The flow valve may be controlled by a software run on a processor to achieve pre-determined bladder pressures to mimic a fetal heart rate.
5 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; a bladder configured to be housed in the enclosure; a piece of deformable material sized to be at least partly housed in 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)
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12. A device for training clinicians in the use of Doppler probes, the device comprising:
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a frame, the frame having an opening on a top surface and a second opening on a lateral side; a bladder housed in the frame, 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 frame; a piece of deformable material in contact with the bladder and extending through the opening of the frame; the length of tubing having a pressure release valve proximal to the first end, a pressure sensor, and a flow valve; wherein the second end of the length of tubing is connectable to a source of compressed gas. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; an electro-mechanical device configured to simulate a fetal heartbeat housed in the enclosure; a piece of deformable material housed in the enclosure between the opening and the electro-mechanical device; and a processor in communication with the electro-mechanical device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 20)
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18. A method for training clinicians in the use of Doppler probes, the method comprising:
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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 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; a piece of deformable material in contact with the bladder and extending through the opening 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 Doppler probe to the enclosure, and placing the Doppler probe in contact with the piece of deformable material.
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19. A kit containing a device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the kit comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; a bladder configured to be housed in the enclosure; a piece of deformable material configured to be at least partly housed in the enclosure; a length of tubing configured to be connected to the bladder, the length of tubing having a pressure release valve and a flow valve.
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21. A device for simulating a fetal heartbeat, the device comprising:
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an enclosure having an opening therethrough; a bladder configured to be fit within in the enclosure; a piece of deformable material sized to be at least partly housed in 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)
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Specification