Abstract: A cervical probe, equipped with both a tactile sensor array and an ultrasound transducer array, is engineered for the simultaneous acquisition of stress and ultrasound strain data from cervical sectors, as well as for the measurement of cervical length. The collected stress and strain data from various cervical sectors are transmitted to a data processor. This processor calculates cervical elasticity using a strain-to-stress ratio. Subsequently, the arithmetic mean of the stress-to-strain ratios is compared with a predetermined cutoff value, and the measured cervical length is evaluated against another predetermined value, to predict preterm birth during gestational weeks 24-28.

Abstract: Methods and a probes are disclosed for vaginal tactile and electromyographic imaging, and location-guided female pelvic floor therapy. Methods include the steps of inserting a vaginal probe equipped with tactile sensors and electrodes acting as electromyographic sensors into a vagina along a vaginal canal to separate apart two opposing vaginal walls, recording a tactile response and an electromyographic response from at least one of two opposing vaginal walls during pelvic floor muscle contraction, determining locations along the vaginal canal for delivery of therapy based on presence of tactile response above a predetermined tactile threshold and/or presence of electromyographic response above a predetermined EMG threshold along the vaginal probe, selecting at least one of target locations to be used for location-guided therapy, and applying the therapy such as electrical muscle stimulation to at least one of selected locations using the same electrodes at these locations.

Abstract: A vaginal probe is equipped with tactile sensors and ultrasound elements and configured for simultaneous acquisition of tactile images and ultrasound images for the same portion of vaginal tissues and pelvic floor muscles. The probe is configured for placement into vagina to record tactile images and ultrasound images in static, during tissue deformation as well as pelvic floor muscle contraction. Acquired and recorded tactile data are transmitted to a data processor for composing elasticity images of pelvic floor structures and muscle functional images and visually presenting thereof on a display.

Abstract: Methods and a probes are disclosed for vaginal tactile and electromyographic imaging, and location-guided female pelvic floor therapy. Methods include the steps of inserting a vaginal probe equipped with tactile sensors and electrodes acting as electromyographic sensors into a vagina along a vaginal canal to separate apart two opposing vaginal walls, recording a tactile response and an electromyographic response from at least one of two opposing vaginal walls during pelvic floor muscle contraction, determining locations along the vaginal canal for delivery of therapy based on presence of tactile response above a predetermined tactile threshold and/or presence of electromyographic response above a predetermined EMG threshold along the vaginal probe, selecting at least one of target locations to be used for location-guided therapy, and applying the therapy such as electrical muscle stimulation to at least one of selected locations using the same electrodes at these locations.

Abstract: Laparoscopic tactile imaging probe equipped with pressure sensors is configured for placement into a body cavity to provide real time tactile feedback for a region of interest during a surgical procedure. A method for providing tactile feedback in laparoscopic surgery by calculating a two-dimensional tactile feedback image using a three-dimensional tactile image, and imposing said tactile feedback image on said region of interest for review in real time by a surgeon is disclosed. A laparoscopic tactile imaging probe consists of a probe housing with a plurality of tactile sensors are located over a cylinder surface and a visual markers over said probe housing for visual acquiring probe positioning data during said deformation by a laparoscopic video camera.

Abstract: The transvaginal tactile probe is configured to obtain a high resolution mapping of pressures and strains within the vagina of a pregnant woman prior to birth. The device provides real-time data visualization, analysis tools and information. This data may be used to assist with clinical decisions regarding selecting a preferred method of prevention of severe childbirth injury or altering delivery management, e.g. early induction at term, elective caesarean section in patients with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury, water-birth, warm compresses to the perineum. The device is intended for use by medically trained personnel who counsels patients regarding risk of severe trauma at childbirth (such as urogynecologists and obstetricians) and regarding the effect of perineal massage and childbirth training device (such as physical therapists).