Method and apparatus for improved fetus contact with fetal probe
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An intrauterine probe for measuring a physical condition of a fetus comprising:
- a sensor body comprising an active face, wherein the sensor body has a channel disposed therein;
inserting means for inserting the sensor body into a uterus between a fetus and a uterine wall;
a normally deformed resilient biasing means integral with the sensor body and which is disposed entirely on the portion of the probe within the uterus for applying force between the fetus and the uterine wall; and
straightening means for straightening the resilient biasing means, the straightening means including a stylet removably disposed in the channel.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for improved fetal contact with a fetal probe. The easily insertable probe includes a means for adjusting the position of the probe so that a sensor makes firm contact with the fetus. In one embodiment, the position is adjusted via a biasing segment of the probe which rotates about a fulcrum. In another embodiment, the position is adjusted via a bladder.
197 Citations
22 Claims
-
1. An intrauterine probe for measuring a physical condition of a fetus comprising:
-
a sensor body comprising an active face, wherein the sensor body has a channel disposed therein; inserting means for inserting the sensor body into a uterus between a fetus and a uterine wall; a normally deformed resilient biasing means integral with the sensor body and which is disposed entirely on the portion of the probe within the uterus for applying force between the fetus and the uterine wall; and straightening means for straightening the resilient biasing means, the straightening means including a stylet removably disposed in the channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A method for measuring a physical condition of a fetus comprising the steps of:
-
providing a sensor having a normally deformed resilient portion and an active face; inserting the sensor into a uterus such that the active face is adjacent the fetus and the resilient portion is entirely within the uterus; temporarily straightening the resilient portion while inserting the sensor into the uterus; and permitting the sensor to apply a force between the active face and the fetus using only the normal deformation of the resilient portion and without the application of any additional force from outside the uterus. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
-
-
10. An intrauterine probe for measuring a physical condition of a fetus comprising:
-
a sensor body having a longitudinal axis and an active surface for contacting a fetus; inserting means for inserting the sensor body into a uterus between a fetus and a uterine wall; and a first biasing segment extending from a rotation point on the sensor body, the first biasing segment being preformed and normally extending at a predetermined nonzero angle from the sensor body and being resilient for rotation about the rotation point. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
Specification