Abstract: The present invention relates to fiberoptic sensors embedded within a surgical drain to monitor the condition of tissue proximate to the surgical drain and methods of processing data from the sensors. The light transmitting and collecting tips of the optical fibers are adapted to enable sideways interrogation of the adjacent tissues using optical techniques to measure the tissue condition. The light transmitting and collecting tips of the optical fibers may be bent at angle, disposed between a light absorbing and transmitting sheets, or uncladded to enable sideways emission and collection of light. Processing methods for reducing the site dependency of the measured data, maximizing the signal to noise ratio, and increasing the measurement sensitivity to changes in the tissue condition are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for monitoring the physiological parameters of an organ or tissue during and after surgery. The system has a probe and a monitoring unit. In one embodiment the probe includes features for convenient, fixed and releasable attachment to surgical drains without interfering with their normal fluid-draining function while utilizing their suction to enhance the probe-to-tissue interface for improved sensing. An applicator is provided to facilitate such attachment. The monitoring unit which controls the sensors of the probe includes a processor to process, record and display the sensor data. This system may be valuable for monitoring transplanted organs and tissue grafts during the critical postoperative period when most of the clinical complications, such as vascular thrombosis, may occur.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for postoperative monitoring of the condition of a tissue or organ utilizing sensors that may be embedded in various types of surgical drains. The system is comprised of a probe and a monitoring unit. The probe may include a surgical drain with fluid draining channels housing one or more sensors to measure various parameters of the adjacent tissue. The monitoring unit which controls the sensors of the probe may include a processor to process, record and display the measured parameters. This system may be valuable for monitoring transplanted organs and tissue grafts during the critical postoperative period when most of the clinical complications, such as vascular thrombosis, may occur.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for monitoring the dilatation of the uterine cervix during labor and deliver. The system has a gauge and a monitoring unit. In one embodiment the gauge includes features for convenient attachment to the gloved fingertips of the clinician performing a routine digital probing of the cervix. The monitoring unit includes a sensor to automatically read the measurement of the gauge and a processor to process, record and display the sensor data. This system may be valuable for the assessment of the progress of labor and the early detection of delivery complications.