Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the input impedance of a skin/electrode interface and selectively modifying the input impedance of the monitoring circuit to match the measured input impedance. More particularly, a simplified method for correcting for input impedance mismatch between electronic monitoring circuitry and the skin/electrode interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an input impedance measuring circuit will interface with a microprocessor and a reconfigurable switch network to select the input impedance of the electronic monitoring circuitry, thus eliminating the impedance sensitivity of EMG or EKG instruments.

Abstract: A method operable to more accurately monitor the state and function of the cervix is provided. Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to detection of fluorescence from the female mammalian cervix. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to predicting true term and preterm labor and delivery, characterizing the function and state of the cervix, and for assessing and monitoring the efficacy of treatments for the cervix. Embodiments of the present disclosure use light induced fluorescence (LIF) via a non-invasive optical probe to accurately and quantitatively measure changes in the cervical tissue during pregnancy and labor. As gestational age increases, the LIF decreases. Ideally, cervical collagen should be at a minimum just prior to delivery. The present invention can be used to monitor the state and function of the cervix during pregnancy, as well as efficacy of cervical treatments during pregnancy.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and processing abdominal EMG signals from a maternal patient to indicate when a maternal patient should push to progress the labor toward delivery. Raw abdominal EMG signals are acquired and processed in a central unit designed to isolate the patient and any internal circuitry from electrical shock. The central unit has a circuit board that amplifies and filters the EMG signal, then transmits the signal to an A/D converter, after which the digitized signal is transmitted to a computer for further processing and subsequent display of a signal representative of abdominal activity. The system may also acquire and process uterine EMG signals that can be evaluated in conjunction with the abdominal EMG signals.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring and transmitting uterine EMG signals is disclosed, where a signal processing module processes incoming uterine EMG signals from a patient and wirelessly transmits a processed signal to an information relaying device. The information relaying device is then configured to download the processed signal and transmit the signal to a call center or health care facility for physician evaluation. The system is ambulatory, thus allowing the patient to record and transmit uterine EMG signals anywhere a satisfactory transmission may be made.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and processing abdominal EMG signals from a maternal patient to indicate when a maternal patient should push to progress the labor toward delivery. Raw abdominal EMG signals are acquired and processed in a central unit designed to isolate the patient and any internal circuitry from electrical shock. The central unit has a circuit board that amplifies and filters the EMG signal, then transmits the signal to an A/D converter, after which the digitized signal is transmitted to a computer for further processing and subsequent display of a signal representative of abdominal activity. The system may also acquire and process uterine EMG signals that can be evaluated in conjunction with the abdominal EMG signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the impedance of a skin/electrode interface and selectively modifying the system gain of the monitoring circuit to compensate for errors introduced by variations in the skin/electrode impedance. More particularly, a simplified, low-cost method for measuring and compensating for skin/electrode impedance variations is provided. The skin/electrode impedance measuring circuit and determines a system gain correction factor which may be applied to the measured signal using a software algorithm, thereby eliminating the need to change the circuit topology with a programmable gain amplifier or programmable resistor network.

Abstract: A method operable to more accurately predict true preterm labor and delivery is provided. Trans-abdominal uterine electromyography (EMG) and power spectrum (PS) analysis can identify electrical signals characteristic of labor at term and preterm with relatively high positive and negative predictive values. The use of propagation velocity (PV) of uterine EMG signals may either be done independently or in conjunction with PS analysis. This method involves applying at least two pairs of electrodes to a maternal abdomen. The time associated with measuring a voltage spike of a propagating myometrial wave traveling through the pairs of electrodes allows the amount of time required for the propagating myometrial wave to transverse the distance between electrodes to be determined. With this information a propagation velocity (PV) of the propagating myometrial wave may be determined. This PV may be compared to a labor positive predictive value (PPV).

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and processing uterine EMG signals from a maternal patient. Raw uterine EMG signals are acquired and processed in a central unit designed to isolate the patient and any internal circuitry from electrical shock. The central unit has a circuit board that amplifies and filters the EMG signal, then transmits the signal to an AID converter, after which the digitized signal is transmitted to a computer for further processing of the signal and subsequent display of a signal representative of uterine activity. The system and method provide a more accurate measurement of uterine EMG signals than a tocodynamometer or IUPC, and are useful in predicting delivery or monitoring the patient during post partum uterine activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the input impedance of a skin/electrode interface and selectively modifying the input impedance of the monitoring circuit to match the measured input impedance. More particularly, a simplified method for correcting for input impedance mismatch between electronic monitoring circuitry and the skin/electrode interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an input impedance measuring circuit will interface with a microprocessor and a reconfigurable switch network to select the input impedance of the electronic monitoring circuitry, thus eliminating the impedance sensitivity of EMG or EKG instruments.