Fetal pulse oximetry apparatus and method of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A fetal pulse oximetry apparatus comprising:
- a sensor including a light detector and a light source;
means for conducting electrical signals to and from the sensor;
a substantially stiff tube connected to said sensor for accurately placing the sensor at a site on the fetus beyond the presenting part and beyond the transcervical region, said tube enclosing a part of the conducting means adjacent to the sensor; and
tactile markings on the tube for indicating the depth of insertion of the sensor into the vagina.
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Abstract
An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus.
187 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A fetal pulse oximetry apparatus comprising:
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a sensor including a light detector and a light source; means for conducting electrical signals to and from the sensor; a substantially stiff tube connected to said sensor for accurately placing the sensor at a site on the fetus beyond the presenting part and beyond the transcervical region, said tube enclosing a part of the conducting means adjacent to the sensor; and tactile markings on the tube for indicating the depth of insertion of the sensor into the vagina. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method for measuring fetal oxygen saturation comprising the steps of:
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inserting a pulse oximetry sensor into the mother'"'"'s vagina; moving the sensor through the cervix into the mother'"'"'s uterus; placing the sensor against the fetus at a site in a preferred region beyond the presenting part of the fetus and beyond the transcervical region; and using a tactile marker on one side of the sensor to orient the sensor.
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4. A fetal pulse oximetry apparatus comprising:
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a sensor including a light detector and a light source; means for conducting electrical signals to and from the sensor; and a substantially stiff tube connected to said sensor enclosed in a clear sheath for accurately placing the sensor at a site on the fetus beyond the presenting part and beyond the transcervical region. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of measuring fetal oxygen saturation comprising the steps of:
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providing a pulse oximetry apparatus having a substantially stiff tube such that the tube remains straight enough under its own weight to be inserted unsupported into a vagina; providing a sensor at the insertion end of the stiff tube; inserting the sensor into the vagina; advancing the sensor through the cervix into the uterus; placing the sensor on the fetus in a region beyond the reach of the user; and using a tactile marking on the stiff tube to indicate the depth of the sensor in the uterus. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification