Abstract: An obstetrical imaging system includes a uteroscope or video-uteroscope for intrauterine imaging, a control unit for operating the uteroscope, a computer imaging station with a video monitor for viewing the images captured by the optical imaging system and a recording system for recording the images. The uteroscope includes an optical imaging system, which preferably includes a panoramic lens for viewing the entire uterine cavity in one image, mounted on an elongated shaft for insertion into the patient's uterus. One or more transparent inflatable balloons are mounted on the elongated shaft surrounding the optical imaging system. An instrument channel is provided in the shaft of the uteroscope for insertion of instruments, such as a suction tube, external to or in between the transparent inflatable balloons.

Abstract: A hand-mounted device for obtaining a sample of blood from the scalp of a fetus and for measuring the pH of the blood sample includes a lancet for incising the scalp of the fetus, a capillary for obtaining a drop-sized sample of blood and a pH electrode within the capillary for analyzing the pH of the blood. Optionally, a motorized actuator may be provided for automatically advancing and withdrawing the lancet and the capillary. The pH measuring device includes an isolating mechanism, in the form of an everting bell-shaped member, an inflatable balloon member or an expandable funnel member, and a flushing/aspiration lumen for clearing the distal region of the device of amniotic fluid while in use.

Abstract: A finger-mounted obstetrical imaging system is described for augmenting digital pelvic examination and other obstetrical procedures with videoendoscopic visualization. An obstetrical imaging system integrated with a fetal vacuum extraction instrument is described using tissue transillumination to assist in proper placement of the vacuum extraction instrument on the head of a fetus during delivery.

Abstract: A finger-mounted obstetrical imaging system is described for augmenting digital pelvic examination and other obstetrical procedures with videoendoscopic visualization. An obstetrical imaging system integrated with a fetal vacuum extraction instrument is described using tissue transillumination to assist in proper placement of the vacuum extraction instrument on the head of a fetus during delivery. Rigid and articulable uteroscopes are described using a transparent inflatable balloon to provide a clear visual field within a patient's uterine cavity.