Abstract: A method is taught for the accurate determination of the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of uterine contractions. More specifically, a lateral flow assay strip tests for at least two antigens to greatly limit or eliminate the possibility of false negatives. A built-in timer in the cassette holding the lateral flow assay further increases the accuracy of the test. A collection buffer vial with self-contained shipping and dropper caps and built-in stand is also taught.

Abstract: A client management tool system comprises a gateway module configured to provide access to a data store storing clinical and non-clinical data, a collection of computerized question forms configured to obtain additional data about a client, a social data model defining a structure to store and organize the client data, a predictive model including a plurality of weighted variables and thresholds in consideration of the client data to identify needs of the client and a valuation of services to address the client needs, a knowledgebase of available programs and service providers able to deliver the needed services, a client management toolkit configured to provide recommended a course of action in response to the identified client need, valuation, and available programs and services providers, and a data presentation module operable to present notifications, alerts, and outcome report related to service delivery to the client.

Abstract: An intrauterine pressure-sensing catheter for detecting pressure changes within the uterus of a patient is disclosed having a tube with a primary lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongate tube. A monitor lumen is positioned within the elongate tube between the primary lumen and a wall of the elongate tube and extends from a proximal end of the elongate tube to a distal end of the elongate tube. A pressure-compliant balloon is disposed about an exterior of the elongate tube adjacent a distal end tip. A sleeve is slidably mounted on an exterior of the elongate tube and disposed over the pressure-compliant balloon during insertion of the pressure-sensing catheter within the patient. The distal end tip is configured to prevent movement of the sleeve over the tip and is further configured to provide a zone of protection for the pressure-compliant balloon.

Abstract: A holistic hospital patient care and management system comprises a data store operable to receive and store patient data including clinical and non-clinical data; a plurality of video cameras to capture images of the patients; a plurality of presence detection sensors to detect the presence and location of the patients; a risk logic module configured to apply at least one predictive model to the clinical and non-clinical data, including the captured images, to determine at least one risk score associated with the patients; a facial biological change logic module configured to receive location data from the plurality of presence detection sensors, the risk score and medical condition associated with the patients, and captured images of the patients, and generating an alert in response to a detected change in biological change of a patient.

Abstract: A holistic hospital patient care and management system comprises a data store to receive and store patient data including clinical and non-clinical data; a plurality of RFID sensors to detect a plurality of RFID tags associated with patients to enable real-time tracking of location; at least one predictive model including a plurality of weighted risk variables and risk thresholds in consideration of the clinical and non-clinical data and configured to identify at least one medical condition associated with the patients; a risk logic module configured to apply at least one predictive model to the clinical and non-clinical data to determine at least one risk score associated with each patient; a patient monitoring logic module configured to receive location data of the patients and determine patient real-time location and status; and a user interface module configured to display patient medical condition, risk score, location, and status information to authorized personnel.

Abstract: A method is taught for the accurate determination of the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of uterine contractions. More specifically, a lateral flow assay strip tests for at least two antigens to greatly limit or eliminate the possibility of false negatives. A built-in timer in the cassette holding the lateral flow assay further increases the accuracy of the test. A collection buffer vial with self-contained shipping and dropper caps and built-in stand is also taught.

Abstract: A cable comprises a circuit, a switching element and an input connection for engaging an output connection of a sensor, the switching element configured to selectively enable the circuit of the cable assembly to process an accepted output of at least one of at least two sensors providing differing acceptable outputs and to provide a signal output corresponding to the accepted sensor output for processing by a monitor. A sensor includes an initiation element structured to cause a switching element associated with an input connection of the cable to change a mode of operation of the switching element to selectively enable the circuit to process an output of the sensor accepted by the cable and to provide a signal output corresponding to the accepted sensor output. A system comprises a monitor and the cable including the circuit and the switching element. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lancet for performing an incision. The lancet has a blade for providing an incision and a trigger housed in a housing. The trigger has a first trigger arm, a second trigger arm and a flexible member connected to the second trigger arm. A resilient member may be disposed within the housing in a pre-cutting state in which it stores energy and arranged to exert a force for moving the second trigger arm and the blade from a first stowed position through a cutting position and to a second stowed position.

Abstract: A clinical predictive and monitoring system comprising a data store operable to receive and store data associated with a plurality of patients selected from medical and health data; and a number of social, behavioral, lifestyle, and economic data; at least one predictive model to identify at least one high-risk patient associated with at least one medical condition; a risk logic module operable to apply the at least one predictive model to the patient data to determine at least one risk score associated the at least one medical condition and identify at least one high-risk patient; a data presentation module operable to present notification and information to an intervention coordination team about the identified at least one high-risk patient; and an artificial intelligence tuning module adapted to automatically adjust parameters in the predictive model in response to trends in the patient data.

Abstract: A dashboard user interface method comprises displaying a navigable list of at least one target disease, displaying a navigable list of patient identifiers associated with a target disease selected in the target disease list, displaying historic and current data associated with a patient in the patient list identified as being associated with the selected target disease, including clinician notes at admission, receiving, storing, and displaying review's comments, and displaying automatically-generated intervention and treatment recommendations.

Abstract: A cable comprises a circuit, a switching element and an input connection for engaging an output connection of a sensor, the switching element configured to selectively enable the circuit of the cable assembly to process an accepted output of at least one of at least two sensors providing differing acceptable outputs and to provide a signal output corresponding to the accepted sensor output for processing by a monitor. A sensor includes an initiation element structured to cause a switching element associated with an input connection of the cable to change a mode of operation of the switching element to selectively enable the circuit to process an output of the sensor accepted by the cable and to provide a signal output corresponding to the accepted sensor output. A system comprises a monitor and the cable including the circuit and the switching element. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is taught for the accurate determination of the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of uterine contractions. More specifically, a lateral flow assay strip tests for at least two antigens to greatly limit or eliminate the possibility of false negatives. A built in timer in the cassette holding the lateral flow assay further increases the accuracy of the test. A collection buffer vial with self-contained shipping and dropper caps and built in stand is also taught.

Abstract: A cup-like structure for engaging a cervix of a patient includes a rim, and includes a base defining an aperture through which one or more tubular members of a uterine manipulator may extend into the uterus. The cup-like structure is made from one or more of a polyphthalamide (PPA) material and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. A uterine manipulator including a cup-like structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle having a blade proximate a distal end of the handle. A blade edge inset from a mouth of the recess is exposed within the recess and faces at least partially toward a proximal end of the handle with the blade edge inset from a mouth of the recess. The distal end further comprises a point bounding a portion of the recess and facing at least partially toward the proximal end of the handle. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fetal heart rate electrode assembly, a connector for use therewith and a cable assembly including a housing assembly configured for engagement with the connector. The electrode assembly includes a drive knob configured and located for selective extension of a fetal scalp electrode beyond a distal end thereof. The connector comprises a rotationally omnidirectional contact assembly disposed within a dielectric housing including an annular groove on the exterior thereof The housing assembly includes longitudinally resiliently biased pin contacts for end face contact with the contacts of the connector disposed within an inner housing of the housing assembly having an O-ring and an annular retention element positioned to respectively wipe the exterior of the connector housing and grasp the connector housing at the annular groove when the connector is inserted thereinto. A system and methods of use are also disclosed.

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 vacuum extractor for use in childbirth is described. The vacuum extractor includes a handle and a vacuum cup with a force sensor coupled to the vacuum extractor. The force sensor measures the traction force applied between the vacuum cup and the handle for assisting the birthing attendant in applying an appropriate traction force. The force sensor may also include a slipping mechanism which causes the length of the force sensor to distinctly increase if the applied traction force exceeds a certain level such as twenty pounds. Thus, the birthing attendant may feel the slipping and thus determine that the traction force has exceeded the certain value.