Systems and methods for measuring fetal cerebral oxygenation
First Claim
1. A method of monitoring oxygenation of a fetus, the method comprising:
- inserting a sensor into a vagina, the sensor comprising a light output and an acoustic transducer;
andpositioning the sensor over an anterior fontanel of a head of the fetus,wherein the light output of the sensor emits light to the head of the fetus and the acoustic transducer of the sensor detects acoustic pressure generated in response to the emitted light, andwherein the sensor determines oxygenation of the fetus in response to the detected acoustic pressure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Optoacoustic diagnostic systems, devices, and methods are described. A system may comprise a console unit and a handheld probe. The console unit comprises a controller, a processor, a photodiode array, an acoustic processing subsystem, and a cooling subsystem. The probe directs light signals from the photodiode array to patient tissue. The light signals each have different wavelengths selected based on the physiological parameter of interest. The probe further comprises an acoustic transducer that receives acoustic signals generated in response to the directed light signals. The probe may comprise a finger-held working end that can be directed to the skull of a fetus within the uterus during labor. The probe can then accurately determine blood oxygenation of the fetus to determine if a caesarian section is necessary.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring oxygenation of a fetus, the method comprising:
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inserting a sensor into a vagina, the sensor comprising a light output and an acoustic transducer; and positioning the sensor over an anterior fontanel of a head of the fetus, wherein the light output of the sensor emits light to the head of the fetus and the acoustic transducer of the sensor detects acoustic pressure generated in response to the emitted light, and wherein the sensor determines oxygenation of the fetus in response to the detected acoustic pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of monitoring oxygenation of a fetus, the method comprising:
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emitting light from a light output of a sensor positioned over an anterior fontanel of a head of a fetus; detecting acoustic pressure with an acoustic transducer of the sensor, the acoustic pressure being generated in response to the emitted light; determining venous oxygenation of the fetus in response to the detected acoustic pressure; and displaying the determined venous oxygenation of the fetus to the user with the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for monitoring oxygenation of a fetus, the system comprising:
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a monitor comprising a processor, a light source, and a display; a cable; and a probe head comprising a housing having one or more lateral grooves adapted to accommodate finger tips such that the probe head is configured to be held between two finger tips of a user, the probe head being coupled to the monitor through the cable and further comprising a light output and an acoustic transducer, wherein the probe head has a vertical axis, wherein the one or more lateral grooves are oriented in a first transverse direction to the vertical axis and the cable is oriented in a second transverse direction to the vertical axis to facilitate handling and insertion of the probe head and cable by two fingers of a user, wherein the light source is configured to generate a light emitted to the fetus through the light output of the probe head, wherein the acoustic transducer is configured to detect acoustic pressure generated in response to the emitted light, wherein the processor is configured to determine oxygenation of the fetus in response to the detected acoustic pressure, and wherein the display is configured to display the determined oxygenation. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A fetal cerebral oxygenation probe comprising:
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a probe head including a light output configured to emit light into a head of the fetus and an acoustic transducer configured to detect acoustic pressure generated in response to the emitted light; and a cable extending out from the probe head to couple to a monitor, wherein the light output comprises an optical waveguide, and wherein the probe head has a vertical axis and comprises a continuous rounded groove encircling a center of the probe head, the continuous rounded groove being oriented in a first transverse direction to the vertical axis and the cable being oriented in a second transverse direction to the vertical axis to facilitate handling and insertion of the probe head and cable by two fingers of a user. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification