Abstract: A device for receiving and holding a removable ultrasound transducer and a tocodynamometer against the exterior of the abdomen of the patient is disclosed. The device comprises an improved transducer support plate which is maintained in fixed contact with the abdomen of the patient by fastening pads, including an adhesive hydrogel and a belt encircling the patient to provide the necessary counterforces to the transducer support plate that is simple to attach and remove from a patient.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of preterm labor, and in particular for distinguishing between false labor and true labor, which includes both prelabor and active labor, is disclosed. The onset of a contraction is determined and the change in value of the rapid ejection time (RET) is determined from the onset of the contraction to a point of time just below the peak intensity of the contraction. A level value of the RET as the contraction proceeds is indicative of false preterm labor. An increasing value of the RET is indicative of prelabor. A decreasing value of the RET is indicative of active labor. The cutaneous blood pressure pattern (cPP) of the patient, which should be concordant with the slope of the RET, can be used as a check on the reliability of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously and non-invasively monitoring and measuring various biochemical and biophysical functions through the finger of a patient. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a highly stable finger attachment device for maintaining one or more sensing monitors such as a pressure transducer (or similar pressure measuring device) or electrode against the fleshy part of the finger. The increased stability of the finger attachment device is accomplished by taking advantage of the anatomical structure of the middle phalanx of a finger. The finger attachment device has an upper and a lower arm attached to each other by a hinge, so that when closed, protuberances from each arm fit snugly into the natural concavities of the middle phalanx thereby holding the finger firmly and providing a high level of mechanical stability and thus reducing pulse waveform distortion and any other "noise" or motion artifact due to instability.

Abstract: Systolic time intervals provide a basis for the determination of total electromechanical systole and offer a physiologic approach to cardiovascular assessment. In addition, examination of the pulse wave contour changes with advancing age and hypertension suggests that these data may be useful in assessing the vascular compliance and peripheral resistance of a subject. Noninvasively obtained peripheral systolic time intervals in normal and pathologic conditions and the automated measurement and continuous plotting of several parameters, including heart rate, pulse wave arrival time, rapid ejection time, peripheral pulse wave contour, and cutaneous pressure pulse are used in assessing the subject.

Abstract: A fetal monitoring scalp electrode apparatus has a relatively rigid form sustaining curved outer guide tube and a flexible inner driver tube movable within the outer guide tube for driving an electrode holder holding an electrode which is screwed into the head of a fetus in the womb. The outer guide tube has a substantial angularity or bend proximate the forward end. Finger engaging projections, or other irregularity, are provided on the exterior of the outer guide tube, proximate the substantial angularity, for positioning of the apparatus and assuring that the force vector created during use of the device is toward the fetus. Pushing of the inner driver tube causes rotation of the holder and the electrode mounted in it. In an alternative embodiment, the inner driver tube has a highly flexible portion, such as a coil spring, proximate the substantial angularity or bend of the outer guide tube, permitting smooth rotation of the internal driver tube and electrode.

Abstract: An improved monitoring device for externally monitoring labor contractions preceding childbirth which does not require the use of a belt is disclosed consisting of a transducer assembly removably fixed to a base adhesively attached to the abdomen of the woman.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuously measuring cutaneous blood pressure is disclosed. A portion of cutaneous tissue, preferably covering a digit such as a finger, is isolated and a pressure sensing device, such as a strain gauge, measures the changes in pressure in the isolated cutaneous tissue. The pressure sensing device is mounted on a stable platform fixed relative to the cutaneous tissue of the digit.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously measuring blood pressure, preferably in the situs of the wrist is disclosed. A hand and wrist support structure maintains the hand and wrist in a substantially fixed relationship. A pressure monitoring apparatus consisting of a sensing device and structure for maintaining the sensor over the radial artery of a user so as to measure the blood pressure is disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor support base having a rigid inner portion and a relatively flexible outer ring portion removably attached around its periphery for adhesive application to a patient is disclosed. The relatively flexible outer ring portion has a relatively rigid segment for assisting in attachment to the periphery of the inner portion. A layer of absorbent material on the upper surface of the outer ring portion is used for absorbing perspiration of the patient.

Abstract: An improved sensor support base having a relatively flexible portion around its periphery, a highly absorbent material on the lower surface and a means for deforming the support base is disclosed. The support base is adhesively applied to the abdomen and is used in monitoring labor contractions of a patient.

Abstract: An intrauterine catheter is disclosed employing a catheter tube closed at one end by a flexible membrane, and connected at its other end to the input of a pressure transducer. The catheter is filled by injection of a sterile solution through the flexible membrane into the catheter tube or by pre-filling. The pressure measuring system is capable of being zeroed while the catheter is in place in the uterus.

Abstract: A device for attaching an ultrasonic transducer to the body of a patient, particularly to obtain the fetal heart rate in a pregnant patient, that does not require the use of belts, is disclosed. The device is adhesively attached to the patient and permits the ultrasound transducer to be held in a desired orientation.

Abstract: An improved support base for supporting a transducer used for the monitoring of uterine contractions is disclosed. A support plate is concave and has a projecting annular ring on its lower surface spaced from and surrounding the central opening in the support plate, which acts as an isolation ring and to deform the skin into a hemispherical shape for being brought into contact with the transducer.

Abstract: The monitoring of capillary blood flow in a woman's cervical wall and vaginal wall is provided so that the capillary blood flow patterns therein may be compared in order to evaluate various physiological conditions of the woman. In addition, methods are provided for comparing one or both of such capillary blood flow patterns with patterns of capillary blood flow obtained from the woman's forehead at the anastomoses of the supratrochlear branches of the ophthalmic artery, for evaluating a physiological condition of a woman. Systems and devices for carrying out these evaluations, as well as for observing such capillary blood flow patterns separately, are provided.

Abstract: A device for use in monitoring cervical dilatation during labor. The device comprises an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, the member being adapted to be positioned between a fetal presenting part and a cervix; and means for measuring the recession of the cervix with cervical dilatation from the elongated member and along the longitudinal axis thereof. Also provided are systems and methods of monitoring cervical dilatation during labor. An elongated member having a longitudinal axis is positioned between a fetal presenting part and a cervix. The elongated member is anchored against longitudinal movement with respect to a maternal reference point. The recession of the cervix with cervical dilatation from the elongated member and along the longitudinal axis is measured.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for measuring the intrauterine pressure of a woman in labor. It comprises an elongated flexible tube filled with liquid and having one end apertured to permit the liquid therein to communicate with bodily fluids in the uterus; the other end is sealed by a relaxed diaphragm. The catheter tube is inserted into a curved guide tube which is scored at the end adjacent the apertured end of the catheter to permit the catheter to be extended from the guide tube. The guide tube is also scored along its length to permit a portion of the wall of the guide tube to be peeled away leaving a longitudinal slot through which the catheter can be passed after insertion into the uterus. The catheter and guide tube are disposed in a liquid-tight envelope, the open end of which is sealed about the catheter to prevent escape of the liquid within the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in measuring continuously the change in pH values of a fetus, comprises a holder made of an insulating material, a spiral electrode extending from the forward end of said holder and adapted to engage the fetus during delivery, a maternal electrode supported on said holder rearward of said spiral electrode, said electrodes including a material which forms a half cell in the presence of hydrogen ions, and means responsive to the potential difference across said first and second electrodes for continuously measuring the changes in pH of the fetus.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for measuring the intrauterine pressure of a woman in labor. It comprises an elongated flexible tube filled with liquid and having one end apertured to permit the liquid therein to communicate with bodily fluids in the uterus; the other end is sealed by a relaxed diaphragm. The catheter tube is inserted into a curved guide tube which is scored at the end adjacent the apertured end of the catheter to permit the catheter to be extended from the guide tube. The guide tube is also scored along its length to permit a portion of the wall of the guide tube to be peeled away leaving a longitudinal slot through which the catheter can be passed after insertion into the uterus. The catheter and guide tube are disposed in a liquid-tight envelope, the open end of which is sealed about the catheter to prevent escape of the liquid within the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for measuring the intrauterine pressure of a woman in labor. It comprises an elongated flexible tube which is inserted into the uterus through a curved guide tube adapted to be inserted through the vagina and cervix of a woman in labor. The catheter tube contains a sterile liquid and is closed at both ends by a seal which is capable of transmitting pressure from the liquid within the catheter to an external liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a limp membrane is used to couple the catheter tube to a strain gauge or the like for measuring pressure. The catheter end within the uterus includes a number of pinholes and a capillary material within the tube to prevent loss of the catheter liquid. Alternatively, and particularly where it is desired not to rupture the amniotic membrane, a second limp membrane may be used as the means for coupling between the catheter liquid and the uterus.