Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: Methods for detecting uterine and/or cervical activity in a subject are disclosed which comprise positioning a “uterine/cervical activity monitor” or “UCAM” within the subject, wherein at least one structural component of the UCAM is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and/or a vaginal surface of the subject and which receives an electrical activity of said cervical surface and/or which receives electrical activity of the uterus through said vaginal surface and processing the electrical activity of said cervical and/or vaginal surfaces using a data processor in communication with the UCAM to detect uterine and/or cervical activity of the subject. The methods and UCAM device disclosed herein can be used to detect pre-term labor, differentiate non-labor contractions from “true” labor, as well as other indications.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: A cervical collar that allows varying mobility to the cervical region with the range of motion or degree of mobility being adjustable and quantifiable. The customizable collar having adjustable and quantifiable mobility allows not only graduated mobility for the patient and consequently progressive strengthening but still protects the injured or diseased cervical segments. The cervical collar may also provide a user-defined and adjustable distraction force that in the medical setting allows physicians or rehabilitating specialists to adjust, graduate and monitor the amount of distraction force being applied to the cervical column. In a home use setting, patients are able to select a comfortable amount of force to counter the weight of the head. In addition to graduated rotation and/or an adjustable distraction force, a minimalist cervical collar configuration is provided that is less obtrusive, less conspicuous, light weight and can be worn in part under clothing.