Elongate fetal probe with expandable means on distal end

• US 6,186,945 B1
• Filed: 04/14/1997
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Inventors: Gardosi, Jason Otto
• Primary Examiner(s): Dvorak, Linda C. M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): YARNELL, BRYAN KEITH
• Application Number:
  US08/839,413
• Time in Patent Office: 1,401 Days
• Field of Search: 600/313, 600/322, 600/323, 600/325, 600/327, 600/338, 600/339, 600/341, 600/351, 600/373, 600/376, 600/511
• US Class Current: 600/338
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14542 for measuring blood gases A61B5/14551 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1464 specially adapted for foetal tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/288 for foetal cardiography, e.g. scalp electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4362 Assessing foetal parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6853 with a balloon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6885 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure

Abstract

A fetal probe with an elongate body and fetal sensor for insertion above the presenting part of the fetus. An expandable means is on the distal end of the body of the sensor for urging the sensor into engagement with the fetus. The expandable means has a collapsed state to facilitate insertion into the cervix.

Claims

1. A fetal probe comprising a single elongate body portion having a fetal sensor mounted thereon, said body portion being constructed and arranged for insertion into the cervix and above the presenting part of the fetus whereby said fetal sensor is positioned between the fetus and the maternal tissue during cervical dilation, expandable means on a distal end of the body portion for urging said sensor into engagement with the fetus and having a collapsed state to facilitate insertion of the body portion into the cervix and above the presenting part of the fetus and an expanded state for urging the fetal sensor into close engagement with the fetus, the expandable means in its expanded state defining a surface having a portion displaced from the distal end of the body portion to wedge the probe between the fetus and the maternal tissue such that the probe is secured against removal without returning said expandable means to is unexpanded state and the sensor is urged into closer engagement with the fetus, said sensor also being urged into closer engagement with the fetus and the maternal tissue by intrauterine pressure during delivery, said expandable means being mounted on only said single electrode body portion.

2. A probe according to claim 1 wherein the expandable means comprises an inflatable member joined to said member and including a surface which is displaced from said member upon expansion.

3. A probe according to claim 2 wherein the expandable means includes an integral wedging surface urged outwardly from the body portion upon expansion.

4. A fetal probe according to claim 1 wherein the fetal sensor comprises in combination an ECG electrode and means for transcutaneous fetal oximetry.

5. The probe according to claim 1, wherein the expandable means comprises an inflatable balloon.