Abstract: The invention is generally a system, apparatus, and method for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine pressure without rupturing the amniotic sac. A catheter is coupled to a pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module is configured with a chamber that is in fluid communication with a balloon of the catheter. The chamber includes a pressure-sensing membrane coupled to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect a pressure applied to the pressure-sensing membrane and communicate the condition to a monitor of the system. Methods include inserting the catheter through the cervix so that the balloon may be inflated and situated in the lower segment of the uterus, resting against the amniotic sac. Because the balloon of the catheter is in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing membrane, pulsations of the amniotic sac will be sensed by the sensing circuitry of the pressure sensing module.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system, apparatus, and method for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine pressure without rupturing the amniotic sac. A catheter is coupled to a pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module is configured with a chamber that is in fluid communication with a balloon of the catheter. The chamber includes a pressure-sensing membrane coupled to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect a pressure applied to the pressure-sensing membrane and communicate the condition to a monitor of the system. Methods include inserting the catheter through the cervix so that the balloon may be inflated and situated in the lower segment of the uterus, resting against the amniotic sac. Because the balloon of the catheter is in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing membrane, pulsations of the amniotic sac will be sensed by the sensing circuitry of the pressure sensing module.

Abstract: Cervical ripening catheters are disclosed, and methods for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine parameters without rupturing the amniotic sac. The catheter is provided with a uterine balloon, and a pressure sensor in pressure sensing communication with the uterine balloon. Sensing circuitry is configured to detect pressure applied to the pressure-sensor and communicate information relating to uterine contractions. The catheter may also be provided with sensors for determining fetal heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fetal blood pH or pelvimetry measurement. A working channel extends throughout the catheter to permit direct access to the amniotic sac by additional diagnostic or therapeutic tools.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system, apparatus, and method for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine pressure without rupturing the amniotic sac. A catheter is coupled to a pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module is configured with a chamber that is in fluid communication with a balloon of the catheter. The chamber includes a pressure-sensing membrane coupled to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect a pressure applied to the pressure-sensing membrane and communicate the condition to a monitor of the system. Methods include inserting the catheter through the cervix so that the balloon may be inflated and situated in the lower segment of the uterus, resting against the amniotic sac. Because the balloon of the catheter is in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing membrane, pulsations of the amniotic sac will be sensed by the sensing circuitry of the pressure sensing module.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system, apparatus, and method for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine pressure without rupturing the amniotic sac. A catheter is coupled to a pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module is configured with a chamber that is in fluid communication with a balloon of the catheter. The chamber includes a pressure-sensing membrane coupled to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect a pressure applied to the pressure-sensing membrane and communicate the condition to a monitor of the system. Methods include inserting the catheter through the cervix so that the balloon may be inflated and situated in the lower segment of the uterus, resting against the amniotic sac. Because the balloon of the catheter is in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing membrane, pulsations of the amniotic sac will be sensed by the sensing circuitry of the pressure sensing module.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are presented for stimulation of cervical canal, induction of labor, monitoring and control of reproductive system conditions. This specification provides an inflatable system, with one or more balloons that are configured to keep the system in an exact position within woman's reproductive system, monitor pressures inside uterus, control pressures inside uterus, exert controllable pressure on the cervical canal walls, stimulate cervical canal, monitor pressures inside cervical canal, and, if desired, rupture amniotic sac, and the like. In an embodiment a uterine balloon is positioned inside the uterus adjacent to the cervical internal OS; a vaginal balloon is positioned in the vagina for applying pressure on the external cervical OS; and a cervical balloon is positioned in the cervical canal. One or more balloons may be inflated by nontoxic fluids to accurately sense and/or control the intracorporeal pressures by extracorporeal sensors and devices.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The second end prevents access to an inner wall of the tube. Further, the apparatus includes a valve operably connected to the first end of the tube and configured to provide access to the inner wall of the tube to a guiding member inserted through the valve. The guiding member positions the tube in an umbilical vessel of an umbilical cord prior to occlusion of the umbilical vessel so that the tube remains within the umbilical vessel after occlusion of the umbilical vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The second end prevents access to an inner wall of the tube. Further, the apparatus includes a valve operably connected to the first end of the tube and configured to provide access to the inner wall of the tube to a guiding member inserted through the valve. The guiding member positions the tube in an umbilical vessel of an umbilical cord prior to occlusion of the umbilical vessel so that the tube remains within the umbilical vessel after occlusion of the umbilical vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The second end prevents access to an inner wall of the tube. Further, the apparatus includes a valve operably connected to the first end of the tube and configured to provide access to the inner wall of the tube to a guiding member inserted through the valve. The guiding member positions the tube in an umbilical vessel of an umbilical cord prior to occlusion of the umbilical vessel so that the tube remains within the umbilical vessel after occlusion of the umbilical vessel.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the stretching of the skin to prevent damage to the skin, and resulting stretch marks (striations) on a woman's abdominal area during pregnancy, by transversely taping an adhesive-backed polyurethane sheet over the affected area for a major portion of the pregnancy period.

Abstract: A method of using an intra-abdominal organ manipulator, irrigator and/or aspirator, which includes a tubular probe member with distal and proximal ends and a through lumen extending the length thereof, is described. A balloon is affixed to the distal end to aid in manipulating organs or parts thereof within the abdominal cavity when inflated through an auxiliary lumen in the probe. A handle attached to the proximal end of the probe has a pair of trumpet valves which allow the user to connect a vacuum source or irrigation fluid source to the through lumen.

Abstract: An intra-abdominal organ manipulator, irrigator and/or aspirator is described which includes a tubular probe member with distal and proximal ends and a through lumen extending the length thereof. A balloon is affixed to the distal end to aid in manipulating organs or parts thereof within the abdominal cavity when inflated through an auxiliary lumen in the probe. A handle attached to the proximal end of the probe has a pair of trumpet valves which allow the user to connect a vacuum source or irrigation fluid source to the through lumen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of a device utilized as a dilator regarding various body cavities, and in particular, the human cervix wherein the device comprises a hollow cylindrical member capable of being inserted through the human cervix and into the uterine cavity such that the inflatable membrane positioned about the exterior of that portion of the device inserted into the uterine cavity is capable of being selectively inflated while the device is in the uterine cavity so as to prevent the inadvertent withdrawal of the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved design and composition for a sterile adhesive sheet designed for assisting in elevating the anterior abdominal wall of a patient during various surgical procedures wherein there is provided over one surface of the sterile adhesive sheet an adhesive material capable of affixing itself to the skin of a patient while having folds formed on the non-adhesive surface portion of said sterile adhesive sheet so as to provide for a means to grip said sterile adhesive sheet during a surgical procedure, thus enabling during a medical procedure the elevation of the anterior abdominal wall of a patient.