Meconium monitoring system
First Claim
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1. A non-invasive system for monitoring the content of amniotic fluid during labor comprising:
- a) an optical cell supported in a probe which is capable of insertion into the uterus during labor, said cell having a passageway permitting flow of amniotic fluid therethrough,b) a source of light of suitable spectral bandwidth optically connected to the cell,c) photodetecting means optically connected to the cell for detecting light reflected from the amniotic fluid, andd) processing means for determining the presence of meconium and/or blood in the amniotic fluid by analysis of the spectral content of said reflected light,said cell being oriented in the probe in such a way that amniotic fluid in said passageway is illuminated by said light source while avoiding any light reflected from the wall of the uterus reaching the photodetecting means.
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Abstract
A system for in vivo monitoring of the presence and concentration of meconium and/or blood in amniotic fluid during labor by spectral analysis includes a probe for insertion in the uterus, the probe having a flexible body housing an optical cell. The probe has at least one aperture so that amniotic fluid can enter the cell. A fiber optic cable connects the cell to a light source and to a spectral analyzer, and the probe includes structure for shielding the fiber optic cable from any light scattered by the wall of the uterus or fetus.
14 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A non-invasive system for monitoring the content of amniotic fluid during labor comprising:
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a) an optical cell supported in a probe which is capable of insertion into the uterus during labor, said cell having a passageway permitting flow of amniotic fluid therethrough, b) a source of light of suitable spectral bandwidth optically connected to the cell, c) photodetecting means optically connected to the cell for detecting light reflected from the amniotic fluid, and d) processing means for determining the presence of meconium and/or blood in the amniotic fluid by analysis of the spectral content of said reflected light, said cell being oriented in the probe in such a way that amniotic fluid in said passageway is illuminated by said light source while avoiding any light reflected from the wall of the uterus reaching the photodetecting means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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- 9. An intrauterine probe which comprises a flexible body of generally flat form having substantially flat major surfaces, said probe housing an optical cell which includes at least two apertures permitting the entry and exit of amniotic fluid (AF), said cell being connected to a fiber optic cable, for conducting light to said cell and for conducting light reflected from the AF to spectral analysis means, said probe having shielding means to shield the fiber optic cable from any light scattered by the wall of the uterus or the fetus wherein in use one of the major surfaces of the probe contacts the wall of the uterus.
Specification