Labor monitoring device
US6423000B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/035
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for implantation on the cervix of a pregnant female that provides monitoring means by which the dilatation of a female patient's cervix may be monitored during the first phase of labor. The device comprises a housing manufactured from biocompatible material into which a spindle member joined to a tension sensor passes. The housing also contains a transmitter and a power source for the sensor and transmitter. A plurality of sutures are fixed the spindle and pass out of housing so that they may be attached to the female patient's cervix. A tension knob is provided for winding excess suture length onto the spindle, thereby securing the device within the vagina. Dilatation of the cervix at the onset of labor exerts tension on the sutures which is conveyed to the spindle and translated by the sensor to a signal directed at the transmitter. Throughout the first phase of labor, the transmitter issues electronic signals to a second electronic device such as a computer, allowing the compilation and display of dilatation data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.