Non-invasive fetal probe having improved mechanical and electrical properties
First Claim
1. A non-invasive fetal probe adapted for attachment to the presenting part of a fetus and monitoring at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery, said probe comprising:
- a shell having a non-conductive element;
a gel coated on said shell forming a surface for securing the probe to a fetus to be monitored,a fetal sensor carried by said gel for detecting at least one fetal parameter, said non-conductive element of said shell isolating said fetal sensor from fluids in an environment surrounding the probe;
a maternal sensor carried by said shell for detecting at least one maternal parameter; and
means for communicating the fetal and maternal parameters detected by said fetal sensor and said maternal sensor, respectively, to a monitor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A non-invasive fetal probe having enhanced adhesion and electrical isolation for attaching to the presenting part of a fetus and sensing at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical isolation of the fetal probe includes a non-conductive element used in combination with various conductive assemblies made from gel formulations which are polymerized to form a fetal sensor. The non-conductive element in addition to providing physical separation also enhances electrical separation between fetal and maternal sensing elements of the fetal probe. Non-invasive fetal probes having low-profile designs are also provided which help decrease the tendency of the fetal probes to detach caused by forces generated upon the probe by the head of the fetus, the cervix of the mother, or both.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A non-invasive fetal probe adapted for attachment to the presenting part of a fetus and monitoring at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery, said probe comprising:
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a shell having a non-conductive element; a gel coated on said shell forming a surface for securing the probe to a fetus to be monitored, a fetal sensor carried by said gel for detecting at least one fetal parameter, said non-conductive element of said shell isolating said fetal sensor from fluids in an environment surrounding the probe; a maternal sensor carried by said shell for detecting at least one maternal parameter; and means for communicating the fetal and maternal parameters detected by said fetal sensor and said maternal sensor, respectively, to a monitor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A non-invasive fetal probe adapted for attachment to the presenting part of a fetus and monitoring at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery, said probe comprising:
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a shell; a gel coated on said shell forming a surface for securing the probe to a fetus to be monitored, said shell having an outer perimeter forming a ledge with a side surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface which isolates said gel from fluids in an environment surrounding the probe; a fetal sensor carried by said gel for detecting at least one fetal parameter; and an insulating element disposed on said bottom surface of said ledge. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A non-invasive fetal probe attaching to the presenting part of a fetus and monitoring at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery, said probe comprising:
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a gel forming a surface which secures the probe to a fetus to be monitored and has an outer perimeter with a non-conductive rim disposed thereon; a shell disposed on said gel; a fetal sensor carried by said gel for detecting at least one fetal parameter; and means for communicating the fetal parameter detected by said sensor from said sensor to a monitor. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A non-invasive fetal probe adapted for attachment to the presenting part of a fetus and monitoring at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery, said probe comprising:
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a substantially flat gel carrying a fetal sensor for detecting at least one fetal parameter, said gel having a surface for securing the probe to a fetus to be monitored; a substantially flat insulating layer disposed on said gel; a substantially flat maternal sensor carried by said insulating layer for detecting at least one maternal parameter; and means for communicating the fetal and maternal parameters comprising a fetal connector connecting said fetal sensor to said monitor and a maternal connector connecting said maternal sensor to said monitor, wherein said fetal connector and said maternal connector extend in a radial direction from said gel. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38)
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Specification