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Spiral probe for simultaneous electrical and chemical monitoring of a fetus

  • US 4,658,825 A
  • Filed: 02/24/1986
  • Issued: 04/21/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1982
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A unitary probe for simultaneous electrical and chemical monitoring of a fetus, comprising:

  • a low profile, low height probe body, said probe body being relatively wide compared to its height;

    a single, electrically conductive, spiral-shaped hollow needle element, having more than one complete turn, which is integral with said probe body and extends downwardly from said probe body a particular distance such that when the probe is operatively positioned on the scalp of the fetus, the tip of said needle element thereof extends a controlled depth into the tissue of the fetal scalp beneath the skin for monitoring of the pH of the fetus, wherein the dimensions and configuration of the needle element are such, in combination with the low height of the probe body, that the probe remains relatively stable on the fetal scalp during labor of the mother and delivery of the fetus such that accurate chemical as well as electrical monitoring of the fetus is accomplished;

    fiberoptic probe means adapted to extend through said needle element, including means for detecting a selected chemical condition, such as pH, in the scalp tissue of the fetus;

    a reference electrode in said probe body; and

    means for electrically connecting said needle element and said reference electrode to a selected electrical monitoring apparatus, such that a desired electrical monitoring procedure, such as an EKG, can be accomplished.

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