Fetal probe

• US 6,529,753 B1
• Filed: 10/27/2000
• Issued: 03/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Original Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Inventors: Gardosi, Jason Otto
• Primary Examiner(s): WINAKUR, ERIC FRANK
• Application Number:
  US09/699,257
• Time in Patent Office: 858 Days
• Field of Search: 600/323, 600/338, 600/339, 600/341, 600/313
• 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 has an inflatable sac which wedges between the presenting fetal part and maternal tissues to hold a fetal sensor in position. The fetal probe is short enough to enable insertion with the amniotic membrane intact. A passage extends through the probe to facilitate intrauterine pressure measurements or amniotomy.

Claims

1. An oximetry fetal probe comprising:

a body portion;

a light emitter mounted on said body portion;

a light detector mounted on said body portion;

said body portion being constructed and arranged for insertion into the cervix and above the presenting part of the fetus, said fetal sensor being constructed to allow it to be positioned between the fetus and the maternal tissue during cervical dilation, said body portion being constructed to urge said sensor into engagement with the fetus.

2. The oximetry fetal probe of claim 1 wherein said body portion includes an expandable member for urging the oximetry fetal probe into engagement with said fetus.

3. The oximetry fetal probe of claim 1 wherein said body portion further comprises:

location means for urging said oximetry fetal probe into engagement with said fetus.

4. The oximetry fetal probe of claim 1 wherein said body portion further comprises:

a wedging surface for wedging said sensor against said fetus.

5. The oximetry fetal probe of claim 1 wherein said probe is insertable into the cervix to a length of between 10 and 20 cm.