Bipolar electrodes for fetal heart-rate recording during labor
First Claim
1. A bipolar electrode assembly for fetal heart-rate recording, comprising a cup having a base portion and a flexible substantially frusto-conical portion secured to and flaring outwardly from the base portion and defining a rim of the cup, and the electrode assembly further comprising a first electrode which is pointed and is of rod form and extends into the interior of the cup from said base portion, a second electrode which is attached to the cup and is exposed to the exterior of the cup, and means for connecting the first and second electrodes to opposite poles of a readout instrument, whereby the cup may be applied to the fetal scalp and upon pressing the rim of the cup into contact with the fetal scalp the point of the first electrode pierces the fetal skin and the cup becomes adhered by suction to the fetal scalp while the second electrode makes electrical contact with maternal liquid.
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Abstract
A bipolar electrode for fetal heart-rate recording comprises a flexible cup having a base portion and a substantially frusto-conical portion secured to and flaring outwardly from the base portion and defining a rim of the cup. The electrode further comprises a first electrode pole which is pointed and is of rod form and extends into the interior of the cup from the base portion. A second electrode pole is exposed to the exterior of the cup. The cup is applied to the fetal scalp and upon pressing the rim of the cup into contact with the fetal scalp the point of the first electrode pole pierces the fetal skin and the cup becomes adhered by suction to the fetal scalp while the second electrode pole makes electrical contact with maternal liquid.
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Citations
6 Claims
- 1. A bipolar electrode assembly for fetal heart-rate recording, comprising a cup having a base portion and a flexible substantially frusto-conical portion secured to and flaring outwardly from the base portion and defining a rim of the cup, and the electrode assembly further comprising a first electrode which is pointed and is of rod form and extends into the interior of the cup from said base portion, a second electrode which is attached to the cup and is exposed to the exterior of the cup, and means for connecting the first and second electrodes to opposite poles of a readout instrument, whereby the cup may be applied to the fetal scalp and upon pressing the rim of the cup into contact with the fetal scalp the point of the first electrode pierces the fetal skin and the cup becomes adhered by suction to the fetal scalp while the second electrode makes electrical contact with maternal liquid.
Specification