Perinatal pulse oximetry sensor
US4938218A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/6834
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for use in measuring fetal blood flow characteristics. The apparatus includes a non-invasive pulse oximetry probe that is inserted into the uterus between the fetus and the uterine wall. The probe is deformable and is positively attached to the fetal tissue surface using a vacuum pump which causes the probe to deform from a pre-set curvature to the curvature of the fetal tissue surface and to form a gasket-type seal with the fetal tissue surface. The probe is manually inserted into the uterus using a curved insertion tool, and is shaped to fit through a slightly dilated cervix. In a preferred embodiment, the probe includes fetal and maternal ECG sensors and additional sensing devices, and is provided with apparatus for improving the efficiency of the pulse oximetry optics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.