Abstract: A vacuum assisted fetal extraction apparatus and a monitoring device for use in conjunction therewith. The monitoring device includes a circuit including a timer operably coupled with a switch, which may comprise a differential pressure sensor. The switch is configured to be actuated by the formation of a vacuum to secure the fetal extractor to a fetus. At least partial release of the vacuum releases the switch to stop or pause the timer. The timer may be configured to be reset such that it only records or displays the duration of a specific application of the vacuum device, or it may be configured to record or display a cumulative duration based upon multiple applications of the vacuum device in an absolute sense or during a defined time period. Magnitude as well as the cumulative number of applications of an applied vacuum may also be measured and, optionally, displayed, as may the number of times traction force is applied to an infant during delivery.

Abstract: A urodynamic catheter incorporating at least one balloon adjacent a distal end thereof and associated with a pressure lumen extending to a proximal end to be placed external to the body of a patient and usable with a transducer housing including a pressure transducer and a mechanism for alternatively venting an air column defined by the assembled pressure lumen and transducer housing to the ambient environment and closing the air column and charging it with air while reducing volume of the air column. One embodiment includes two, separately-chargeable balloons and a bladder fill tube, another embodiment includes a single balloon and a fill tube, and yet another embodiment, suitable for use as a reference catheter to measure abdominal pressure, includes only a single balloon and omits the fill tube. A novel catheter architecture and assembly technique are also disclosed, as are methods of using the inventive catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting blood from a fetal scalp. The apparatus includes an elongated housing containing a longitudinally spring-loaded, sharp-pointed, beveled blade disposed at the distal end thereof which can be advanced against the spring bias from the distal end against the fetal scalp. A groove located on an exterior side surface of the distal end of the housing is sized to receive a capillary tube which is resiliently retained on the housing with its distal end proximate a recessed region at the distal end of the housing. The groove may be oriented parallel to the housing, or at an angle thereto, to enhance visualization of blood pooling in the recessed region filling the capillary tube after an incision in the scalp is made using the blade. A light source may be included in or on the apparatus, or on the interior of an amnioscope with which the apparatus is employed. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure catheter for monitoring changes in pressure within the body is comprised of an outer tube containing a fluid channel and a closed air column having a pressure-compliant member which is deformable upon an increase in pressure. A change in pressure deforms the pressure-compliant member, which modifies the pressure in the air column, and is translated to a pressure sensor, which converts the pressure change data to an electrical signal recognizable by a fetal monitor. The outer tube employs a window extending along at least a portion of the side thereof for viewing of bodily fluids moving through the fluid channel from the body in which the catheter is inserted toward the proximal catheter end. The pressure catheter of the present invention is particularly suitable for intrauterine pressure monitoring during labor. Viewing of amniotic fluid through the window facilitates verification of proper catheter tip placement within the amniotic fluid space.

Abstract: A pressure catheter for monitoring changes in pressure within the body is comprised of an outer hollow tube containing a fluid channel and a closed air column having a pressure-compliant member which is deformable upon an increase in pressure. A change in pressure deforms the pressure-compliant member, which modifies the pressure in the air column, and is translated to a pressure sensor which converts the pressure change data to an electrical signal recognizable by a fetal monitor. The pressure catheter of the present invention is particularly suitable for intrauterine pressure monitoring during labor.

Abstract: A pressure catheter for monitoring changes in pressure within the body is comprised of an outer tube containing a fluid channel and a closed air column having a pressure-compliant member which is deformable upon an increase in pressure. A change in pressure deforms the pressure-compliant member, which modifies the pressure in the air column, and is translated to a pressure sensor, which converts the pressure change data to an electrical signal recognizable by a fetal monitor. The outer tube employs a window extending along at least a portion of the side thereof for viewing of bodily fluids moving through the fluid channel from the body in which the catheter is inserted toward the proximal catheter end. The pressure catheter of the present invention is particularly suitable for intrauterine pressure monitoring during labor. Viewing of amniotic fluid through the window facilitates verification of proper catheter tip placement within the amniotic fluid space.

Abstract: An electronic calculator is disclosed for calculating important obstetrical dates based on the entry of certain variables or information. The electronic calculator is structured to accept input relating to the last menstrual period, conception date, estimated date of confinement and estimated gestational age. The entry of any one of these variables of information, along with the entry of a reference date, allows the calculator to calculate the other, remaining variables. The electronic calculator provides information similar to that conventionally obtained from an obstetric wheel or birth wheel, but additionally provides for the capability of recalculating and updating the obstetric dates based on new or additional information input into the calculator. The dates calculated using the invention are, therefore, more accurate and can be stored in memory for recall at each subsequent obstetrical visit.

Abstract: A disposable uterine manipulator including a pivotable tip support at the distal end of an elongated insertion rod for carrying a manipulator tip assembly, the tip support being rotatable by a manual drive at the proximal end of the insertion rod via a drive linkage to effectuate a range of rotation of the tip support of at least greater than 90.degree. anteversion and at least greater than 30.degree. retroversion. The manual drive may be an articulated linkage, a belt drive, or an axle drive. Several designs for a manipulator tip assembly including a balloon and a dye injection passage are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable uterine manipulator including a pivotable tip support at the distal end of an elongated insertion rod for carrying a manipulator tip assembly, the tip support being rotatable by a manual drive at the proximal end of the insertion rod via a drive linkage to effectuate a range of rotation of the tip support of at least greater than 90.degree. anteversion and at least greater than 30.degree. retroversion. The manual drive may be an articulated linkage, a belt drive, or an axle drive. Several designs for a manipulator tip assembly including a balloon and a dye injection passage are also disclosed.