Abstract: A composition for determining pH of a solution comprises a fluorescent carbazine dye covalently bound to a solid support. A method of determining pH of a solution comprises placing the composition in the solution, contacting the composition with a selected wavelength of light to excite fluorescence by the carbazine dye, measuring intensities of the fluorescence at two selected wavelengths, calculating a ratio of fluorescence intensities at the two selected wavelengths, and correlating the ratio with a predetermined relationship of such ratios to pH. A fiber optic system for measuring pH of a solution with the carbazine-dye-containing composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a device for clamping and cutting an umbilical cord so as to enable blood samples from the umbilical cord to be collected and/or tested. The device provides for the clamping of a severed end of an umbilical cord and the automatic ejection of that clamped end. The device also provides for the cutting of an umbilical cord without using excessive force regardless of the size of the umbilical cord. Additionally, the device provides for the valved use of vacuum tubes to collect umbilical cord blood samples. Furthermore, the device enables the measurement of blood values at the moment of cutting the umbilical cord. Finally, the device also provides for the protection of users and others from exposure to sharps and blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating diathermy coagulation or ablation of tissue by the application of an electrical current to tissue is connectable to an electrosurgical generator having an active lead and a return lead, and has both monopolar and bipolar embodiments. A preferred monopolar embodiment includes a shaft and a knurled active electrode rotatably secured to the shaft. A preferred bipolar embodiment includes a knurled active electrode separated by an insulator from a return electrode, with the active and return electrodes rotatably secured to a shaft by axles. The shafts may be Y-shaped, crook-shaped, or otherwise. The active electrodes have a plurality of discrete electrically conductive discharge points for applying the electrical current to a plurality of discrete tissue locations, the discharge points preferably being formed as knurl peaks.

Abstract: A subcutaneous radiation reflection probe for measuring oxygen saturation in living tissue includes an elongate drive shaft on one end of which is detachably coupled a mounting cup. The mounting cup includes a hollow for receiving and holding a base element on which is mounted a spiral needle which coils outwardly from the mounting cup to terminate in a pointed end. A window is formed in the spiral needle near the pointed end thereof for receiving and holding a radiation emitter, such as a light emitting diode. A radiation detector is disposed on the base element within the coil of the spiral needle. The probe may be used to measure oxygen saturation in living tissue, such as a fetal scalp, by inserting the mounting cup and drive shaft through an introducer into a woman's vagina until the spiral needle contacts the fetal scalp.

Abstract: An electrosurgical loop comprising an insulated shaft with an electrical contact at its proximate end and a pair of extending insulated prongs at its distal end. The extending prongs are configured to give the loop a "Y" shape and each end of a thin wire are connected to each prong to provide a wire loop. Disposed over the shaft in longitudinal sliding engagement is a depth gauge comprising a clasp, a longitudinal intermediate portion, and a transverse cross bar. The clasp may be retrofit to an existing electrosurgical loop and permits the removal of the depth gauge from the loop, if desired. The transverse cross bar is wider than the breadth of the wire loop and has a transverse slot oriented in the same plane as the wire loop through which the wire loop passes as the depth gauge is adjusted for various cutting depths. Disposed on the insulated shaft are markings serving as depth indicators to which the depth gauge may be moved slidably to effect cut depth control for the loop.

Abstract: An electrosurgical unit which combines an electrosurgical power generator and a filtered smoke removal system into a single compact instrument comprising an electrosurgical generator module and a smoke removal module. The electrosurgical generator module is designed specifically to accommodate an electrosurgical tool during LEEP or LLETZ procedures. The electrosurgical generator module provides power to the electrosurgical tool at a predetermined level. The smoke removal module removes and filters smoke from the site of the electrosurgery. A switching circuitry activates the smoke removal module substantially simultaneous to the activation of the electrosurgical tool so that the smoke removal module is activated automatically whenever the electrosurgical tool is activated. The switching circuitry also delays the deactivation of the smoke removal module for a predetermined amount of time after the electrosurgical tool has been deactivated.

Abstract: A system and method for multiplexing two lumens of a catheter to a single pressure transducer and monitor setup such that the pressure found in either of the two lumens may be alternately monitored. Included in the present invention is a pressure multiplexing valve provided with a four-port body and a rotor which may be selectively rotated to either of two monitoring positions. The rotor is provided with passageways that interconnect the ports. In one embodiment both catheter lumens are always connected to a medical infusion device regardless of which lumen is connected to the transducer. In another embodiment, one lumen is shut off when not connected to the transducer. The present invention provides a compact system removably mounted on a single carrier.

Abstract: An electrical connector of extreme simplicity for coupling leads of a fetal scalp electrode to a cable of an electrical signal monitor. The connector includes a plurality of electrically isolated wiring frame components derived from a single wiring frame and thereafter insert molded into a connector body. The wiring frame components include a pair of signal pathways passing through the connector body to couple each lead of the fetal electrode to a corresponding conductor in the cable and a reference pathway through the connector body for effecting an electrical reference coupling with the body of the patient and communicating a reference voltage through the cable to the monitor. Integrally formed on the connector body is a pivotable lead retention wing and thereon a lead retention stub. By pivoting the retention wing into a position adjacent to the connector body, the retention stub along with a lead of the fetal scalp electrode is received and clamped into a lead retention recess.

Abstract: A fluid pressure monitoring system for a balloon catheter includes a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon. The pressure transducer includes elements for providing an electrical signal which is a function of the pressure in the interior of the balloon. An electronic digital display is responsive to the electrical signal from the pressure transducer to display the balloon pressure measured by the pressure transducer. The system is especially suited for coronary angioplasty in which a catheter is inserted through blood vessels in the human body to the vicinity of a stenosis. The catheter carries an inflatable balloon to the vicinity of the stenosis, where it is inflated, and the fluid pressure monitoring system of the present invention detects and digitally displays to the cardiologist the pressure inside the inflated balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring intracompartmental pressures, such as intrauterine pressure, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a first chamber formed in the interior of the catheter tip which is in amniotic fluids communications with the fluids contained in the uterus. A second chamber is defined by a lumen of the catheter and is filled with air. The lumen extends the length of the catheter from the first chamber at the tip of the catheter to a diaphragm of a pressure transducer located at the end of the catheter. Thus, an air column is formed in the second chamber defined by the lumen. The relative volumetric cubic capacity of the first and second chambers is such that, under maximum pressures which are within expected ranges, the trapped air column prevents any liquid fluids from entering the second chamber. Also, provided is a valve which in a first or "zero" position causes both sides of the pressure transducer diaphragm to be placed at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for muliplexing two lumens of a catheter to a single pressure transducer and monitor setup such that the pressure found in either of the two lumens may be alternately monitored. Included in the present invention is a pressure mulitplexing valve provided with a four-port body and a rotor which may be selectively rotated to either of two monitoring positions. The rotor is privided with passageways that interconnect the ports. In one embodiment both catheter lumens are always connected to a medical infusion device regardless of which lumen is connected to the transducer. In another embodiment, one lumen is shut off when not connected to the transducer. The present invention provides a compact system removably mounted on a single carrier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a rubber glove or the like. The wearer of rubber gloves connects a clip to his ear and places each glove-covered hand individually into electrolyte liquid in an electrically conductive receptacle. A circuit including a buzzer or beeper sounds if there is a leak in the glove. The circuit includes a clip connected to the wearer's ear as well as the beeper, the electrolyte, a battery and the receptacle. An alternative embodiment includes a removable disposable electrically non-conductive receptacle for the electrolyte liquid with the circuit including an electrical conductor cemented to the inside of the receptacle and in the circuit.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for monitoring intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate during labor and childbirth. The apparatus includes a semiconductor pressure transducer mounted on a substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate is secured within a flexible boot adapted to allow the pressure pulses present in a uterus to be communicated to the pressure transducer by way of a gel placed in aligned holes provided in both the substrate and the flexible boot. The pressure transducer is located at the leading end of a cable which includes electrical conductors. A plurality of electrodes are also disposed along the outer surface of the cable so as to be able to receive the electrical signals generated by the heart of the fetus. Each of the electrodes and the pressure transducer are connected to a monitor/display device by way of the conductors within the cable. The cable may be provided with an internal stiffening stylet to facilitate insertion of the apparatus into the uterus or other body compartment.

Abstract: A disposable pressure transducer apparatus for monitoring intracompartmental pressures, such as intrauterine and amniotic fluid pressures during childbirth. The apparatus includes a semiconductor pressure transducer mounted on a substrate. The substrate is secured within a flexible boot adapted to allow the pressure pulses present in a uterus to be communicated to the pressure transducer by way of a gel placed in aligned holes provided in both the substrate and the flexible boot.A cable extends from the flexible boot to provide electrical connection between a semiconductor transducer and a monitor/display device. The cable is provided with an internal stiffening stylet to facilitate insertion of the boot into the uterus or other body compartment. The stylet is provided with a vent channel which communicates with the semiconductor transducer and extends along the cable to a hole in the plug on the distal end of the cable, to permit calibration and/or referencing of the transducer to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the calibration of a pressure transducer in a pressure monitoring system and for isolating defective electrical components of the monitoring system. The apparatus includes a manually operable pressure cylinder for generating a known test pressure, a pressure calibration circuit coupled to the known test pressure for displaying on the device a calibrated output indicating the level of the known pressure, and a bypass pressure transducer also coupled to the known test pressure for transforming it into an electrical output signal to replace the transducer in the monitoring system as the source of electronically derived readable output in the monitoring system. The substitute pressure transducer includes a temperature compensation circuit and a semiconductor pressure diaphragm with a piezoresistive strain gauge formed thereon. One side of the diaphragm is coupled to the known test pressure and the other side thereof is referenced to atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring respiratory gases in newborn infants. The apparatus includes a first fluid flow circuit from which an oxygen enriched gas is used to ventilate the patient, and a second fluid flow circuit connected in parallel to the first circuit. The second fluid flow circuit is used to isolate respiratory gases expired by the infant so that the respiratory gases can be accurately monitored for concentrations of the carbon dioxide and oxygen, which are then used to calculate metabolic rate and other clinical data used in properly caring for the patient. The apparatus also includes electronic processing capability for quickly determining the needed data and for outputting it in a format which is convenient and readily available for use by doctors, nurses or technicians.

Abstract: A pressure transducer which includes a novel apparatus and method for calibrating a pressure transducer to a monitor used in connection with an indwelling catheter to monitor a patient's blood pressure. The pressure transducer includes a transducer diaphragm disposed within a housing cavity. A manometer and a syringe are connected so as to be in communication with the transducer cavity. By partially withdrawing the plunger of the syringe, the pressure in the transducer cavity is reduced, thereby establishing a pressure drop equal to that measured by the manometer across the transducer diaphragm, thus facilitating calibration of the pressure measurement system. Inasmuch as the indwelling catheter is isolated from the pressure calibration apparatus, the methods and apparatus of the present invention avoid any risk of introducing air bubbles or microorganisms into the indwelling catheter.

Abstract: A novel disposable pressure transducer apparatus for monitoring human blood pressure. The apparatus includes a semiconductor pressure transducer, a temperature compensation circuit, and light shielding structures mounted on a dielectric substrate. The substrate is secured within a housing adapted to follow the pressure pulses present in a fluid filled catheter to be communicated to the pressure transducer by way of a gel placed in a hole provided in the substrate.

Abstract: Metabolic gas monitoring apparatus and methods for measuring the metabolic rate in patients. The apparatus includes separate inlets for a calibration gas, inspired gas, and expired gas, and means for alternately introducing each gaseous sample into a thermoelectric cooler. The cooler is configured with relatively narrow passageways so as to contain a minimal amount of gaseous volume therein and thus provides for a more dynamic response time and for more accurate measurements. The apparatus further includes a carbon dioxide sensor and an oxygen sensor for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen, respectively, in the gaseous samples, and a microprocessor for comparing the measured concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the inspired gas and expired gas and for calculating the metabolic rate. Preferably, the oxygen sensor has a zirconium oxide differential electrode and a substantially equal pressure is maintained in a sample chamber and a reference chamber of the oxygen sensor.