Fetal probe having an optical imaging device

• US 6,719,686 B2
• Filed: 08/01/2001
• Issued: 04/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Inventors: Walsh, John, Fein, Michael E., Weber, Bryan, Coakley, Joe
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker, John P.
• Application Number:
  US09/921,287
• Publication Number:
  US 20020068852A1
• Time in Patent Office: 986 Days
• Field of Search: 600/103, 600/104, 600/115, 600/116, 600/170, 600/118, 600/167, 600/182, 600/388, 600/376, 600/511
• US Class Current: 600/170
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00052 positioned at proximal end of the endoscope body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00177 for 90 degrees side-viewing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0615 for radial illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/303 for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
• 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

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing visual feedback to aid in the proper placement and location of a fetal sensor during a fetal oximetry monitoring procedure. An imaging device, such as an optical fiber can be used to image and illuminate the same or nearby region of tissue which the fetal sensor contacts. The image from the illuminated portion of tissue is transmitted along the optical fiber to an optical viewing device such as a hand-held image viewing instrument, camera, or an image processor/video display.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring a fetus in an in utero environment, the method comprising:

providing a fetal probe comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion defining a first side and a second side that are positioned on opposed sides of a longitudinal axis of the distal portion, wherein a fetal sensor and an imaging assembly are positioned on the distal portion to monitor along the first side;

placing the fetal probe between the fetus and the in utero environment so that the first side is adjacent the fetus;

obtaining an image of the fetus to determine the positioning of the fetal sensor relative to the fetus; and

transmitting an image to a viewing device to provide a visual indication of the position of the fetal sensor.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising monitoring the fetus with the fetal sensor upon determining that the fetal sensor is properly positioned relative to the fetus.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

contacting the fetal sensor with the portion of the fetus that is adjacent the fetal sensor; and

illuminating the portion of the fetus that is in contact with the fetal sensor.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the imaging assembly is an optical fiber bundle, wherein illuminating the fetus is through at least one optical fiber of the optical fiber bundle.

6. The method of claim 1 monitoring the position of the fetal probe during labor.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising removing the imaging device from the fetal probe.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein imaging comprises moving the imaging device away from the fetus to create a larger field of view.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring a depth of insertion of the fetal probe into the in utero environment.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the proximal portion is flexible so as to allow insertion of the distal portion into the in utero environment.

2. The method of 1 claim further comprising adjusting a position of the fetal probe upon determination that the fetal sensor is not in a proper position relative to the fetus.

11. A method of monitoring a fetus in an in utero environment, the method comprising:

providing a fetal probe comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion defining a first side and a second side that are positioned on opposed sides of a longitudinal axis of the distal portion, wherein a fetal oximetry sensor and an imaging assembly are positioned on the distal portion to monitor along the first side;

advancing the fetal probe into the in utero environment so that the first side faces the fetus;

imaging the fetus with the imaging assembly to monitor a position of the fetal oximetry sensor; and

adjusting the position of the fetal probe if it is determined that the position of the fetal oximetry sensor is not adequate for desired monitoring of the fetus.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising verifying placement of the fetal probe during labor.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising scanning the fetus to create a larger field of view.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising monitoring a depth of insertion of the fetal probe into the in utero environment.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the proximal portion is flexible so as to allow insertion of the distal portion into the in utero environment.