Positioning method for pulse oximetry fetal sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A fetal pulse oximetry apparatus comprising:
- a sensor including a light detector and a light source, said sensor being configured to contact a fetus without a positive attachment mechanism;
means for conducting electrical signals to and from the sensor; and
means for accurately placing the sensor at a site on the fetus beyond the presenting part and beyond the transcervical region.
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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.
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Citations
24 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, said sensor being configured to contact a fetus without a positive attachment mechanism;
means for conducting electrical signals to and from the sensor; and
means for accurately placing the sensor at a site on the fetus beyond the presenting part and beyond the transcervical region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. 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, said sensor being configured to contact a fetus without a positive attachment mechanism;
moving the sensor through the cervix into the mother'"'"'s uterus; and
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. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. 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, said sensor being configured to contact a fetus without a positive attachment mechanism;
inserting the sensor into the vagina;
advancing the sensor through the cervix into the uterus; and
placing the sensor on the fetus in a region beyond the reach of the user. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of measuring fetal oxygen saturation comprising the steps of:
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inserting a pulse oximeter sensor into the mother'"'"'s vagina, said sensor being configured to contact a fetus without a positive attachment mechanism;
moving out the sensor through the cervix into the mother'"'"'s uterus; and
placing the sensor against the fetus at a site in a region beyond the reach of the user.
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24. A fetal station indicator comprising:
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a fetal sensor, said sensor being configured to contact a fetus without a positive attachment mechanism;
means for placing a first end of the indicator within a preselected region on the fetus; and
a trailer extending from the first end of the indicator, the trailer having visual markings, the trailer adapted to extend from the mother'"'"'s vagina when the first end of the indicator is placed within the preselected region on the fetus.
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Specification