Abstract: An inflatable system for cervical dilation and labor induction includes a uterine balloon, for positioning at a proximal portion of the uterus, adjacent to the cervical internal os, the uterine balloon being shaped to maximize the pressure against the decidua and the internal cervical os and to minimize the pressure on the fetal head. The inflatable system may have a vaginal balloon, for positioning in the vagina, for applying pressure on the external cervical os. The inflatable system may measure the pressure changes inside the balloon. The inflatable system may have electrodes for measuring the electrical activity of the fetal heart, the maternal heart and the uterine pressure activity and or uterine contractility and or labor progress. The inflatable system may measure cervical dilation, fetal well-being, and the woman's conditions.

Abstract: An inflatable system, of between one and three balloons, for cervical dilation and labor induction is provided. The inflatable system may have a uterine balloon, for positioning at a proximal portion of the uterus, with respect to an operator, adjacent to the cervical internal os, the uterine balloon being shaped so as to maximize the pressure against the decidua and the internal cervical os and so as to minimize the pressure on the fetal head. Additionally or alternatively, the inflatable system may have a vaginal balloon, for positioning in the vagina, for applying pressure on the external cervical os. Additionally or alternatively, the inflatable system may have a cervical balloon, for positioning in the cervical canal, the cervical balloon being shaped so as to maximize the contact area with the cervix.

Abstract: A intravenous infusion device which includes a bag of an impervious flexible material which is divided into two compartments by a central partition of an impervious flexible material. A first compartment is filled with an infusion liquid and contains an outlet provided with a connection to a flexible hose and an infusion needle. The second compartment is empty and has an inlet provided with a connector to an inflation device such as a hand-operated balloon. This second compartment can be inflated to exert a pressure on the first compartment in order to cause the infusion liquid to be conveyed into the patient's vein at the required rate of flow. The infusion device can be used in all cases where the bag cannot be suspended above the patient as for instance on the battlefield or after an accident. It is likewise suitable in all cases where an increased rate of infusion is required.

Abstract: The tray is designed to hold medical and dental instruments in firm and parallel alignment during transport and sterilization and to be opened for ready withdrawal or placing of such instruments. It includes a main part in the form of a rectangular bottom surrounded by upstanding rims along both side edges and along its rear edge of which the rear rim is higher than the side rims and forms a channel-shaped pocket configured to cover the heads of the instruments. Two serrated strips are firmly attached to the bottom in parallel spaced-apart alignment with the serrations serving to support and hold the instruments in position. A trough-shaped front cover is pivotally attached to the side rims and can be swung from a top position covering the front ends of the instruments into a position underneath the bottom serving to raise the front of the tray into rearwardly inclined position.

Abstract: Artificial ripening of the unfavorable cervix was attempted in 69 patients by a newly designed double balloon catheter, placed in the cervix for 12 hours. The balloons, such inflated to 40 ml, covered the internal and external cervical os, with the catheter's opening located between them, in the endocervical canal. The study was carried out in three phases. In the first phase, 22 term pregnant women received intracervical PGE2 gel through the catheter with two inflated balloons confining the gel to the cervix. The second phase consisted of a double blind randomized controlled study, where, through the double balloon catheter, ten women received PGE2 gel and another ten were given placebo gel. The third phase consisted of an open study of inserting the catheter alone, without PGE2, and inflation of the balloons in 27 patients. A substantial mean increases in the Bishop Score was noted in all these phases.