Sensor for intrauterine use
US5247932A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/6885
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor placement and retention mechanism for use with fetal sensor sites beyond the user's reach are disclosed. The preferred embodiment of this invention is a fetal pulse oximetry sensor having an active face through which a light source and a light detector operate. The sensor includes a handle that facilitates placement of the active face at a sensor site in a preferred region beyond the transcervical region and beyond the reach of the user. A pair of electrodes--one disposed against the fetus' skin and one exposed to the amniotic fluid--are used to confirm that the sensor is firmly in place on the fetus. In an optional sensor retention feature, a self-inflating bladder presses the active face of the sensor against the fetus' skin to optically couple the sensor with the tissue at the sensor site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.