Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied transabdominally and directed at the cervix.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, novel compositions including steroid hormones, such as trimegestone (TMG) and progesterone (P4), provide treatments for term and preterm labor with significant effects on the delay of delivery. Delay and block of delivery occurs when both P4 and TMG are administered late in gestation in pregnant rat and guinea pig animal models. TMG exhibits remarkable drug efficacy, achieving the same inhibition as P4, but at much lower doses. These hereto unknown effects of TMG on the processes of cervical ripening and uterine contraction provide a novel approach for extending pregnancy term, including reducing a likelihood of preterm and/or term labor, along with improved methods of administration. Other diseases and/or conditions may be treated with TMG, such as dysmenorrhea or luteal insufficiency for sustaining pregnancy.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, novel compositions including steroid hormones, such as trimegestone (TMG) and progesterone (P4), provide treatments for term and preterm labor with significant effects on the delay of delivery. Delay and block of delivery occurs when both P4 and TMG are administered late in gestation in pregnant rat and guinea pig animal models. TMG exhibits remarkable drug efficacy, achieving the same inhibition as P4, but at much lower doses. These hereto unknown effects of TMG on the processes of cervical ripening and uterine contraction provide a novel approach for extending pregnancy term, including reducing a likelihood of preterm and/or term labor, along with improved methods of administration. Other diseases and/or conditions may be treated with TMG, such as dysmenorrhea or luteal insufficiency for sustaining pregnancy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied transabdominally and directed at the cervix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing cervical ripening in a pregnant patient. The method includes generating an electrical stimulation current between about 0.01 milliamperes and about 6 milliamperes using a current unit, coupling an electrode probe to the current unit, and inserting the electrode probe transvaginally so that at least one electrode of the electrode probe is in contact with the patient's cervix. The method also includes applying the electrical stimulation current from the current unit through the electrode probe and the at least one electrode to the patient's cervix to produce ripening of the patient's cervix.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, novel compositions including steroid hormones, such as trimegestone (TMG) and progesterone (P4), provide treatments for term and preterm labor with significant effects on the delay of delivery. Delay and block of delivery occurs when both P4 and TMG are administered late in gestation in pregnant rat and guinea pig animal models. TMG exhibits remarkable drug efficacy, achieving the same inhibition as P4, but at much lower doses. These hereto unknown effects of TMG on the processes of cervical ripening and uterine contraction provide a novel approach for extending pregnancy term, including reducing a likelihood of preterm and/or term labor, along with improved methods of administration. Other diseases and/or conditions may be treated with TMG, such as dysmenorrhea or luteal insufficiency for sustaining pregnancy.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery. The system includes a control module and a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency greater than or equal to about 5.0 Hertz. The system also includes one or more stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing cervical ripening in a pregnant patient. The method includes generating an electrical stimulation current between about 0.01 milliamperes and about 6 milliamperes using a current unit, coupling an electrode probe to the current unit, and inserting the electrode probe transvaginally so that at least one electrode of the electrode probe is in contact with the patient's cervix. The method also includes applying the electrical stimulation current from the current unit through the electrode probe and the at least one electrode to the patient's cervix to produce ripening of the patient's cervix.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, novel compositions including steroid hormones, such as trimegestone (TMG) and progesterone (P4), provide treatments for term and preterm labor with significant effects on the delay of delivery. Delay and block of delivery occurs when both P4 and TMG are administered late in gestation in pregnant rat and guinea pig animal models. TMG exhibits remarkable drug efficacy, achieving the same inhibition as P4, but at much lower doses. These hereto unknown effects of TMG on the processes of cervical ripening and uterine contraction provide a novel approach for extending pregnancy term, including reducing a likelihood of preterm and/or term labor, along with improved methods of administration. Other diseases and/or conditions may be treated with TMG, such as dysmenorrhea or luteal insufficiency for sustaining pregnancy.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, novel compositions including steroid hormones, such as trimegestone (TMG) and progesterone (P4), provide treatments for term and preterm labor with significant effects on the delay of delivery. Delay and block of delivery occurs when both P4 and TMG are administered late in gestation in pregnant rat and guinea pig animal models. TMG exhibits remarkable drug efficacy, achieving the same inhibition as P4, but at much lower doses. These hereto unknown effects of TMG on the processes of cervical ripening and uterine contraction provide a novel approach for extending pregnancy term, including reducing a likelihood of preterm and/or term labor, along with improved methods of administration. Other diseases and/or conditions may be treated with TMG, such as dysmenorrhea or luteal insufficiency for sustaining pregnancy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied trans-abdominally and directed at the cervix. Ultrasound energy is widely used in medical applications such as diagnostic imaging, therapeutic heating and noninvasive surgery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing cervical ripening in a pregnant patient. The method includes generating an electrical stimulation current between about 0.01 milliamperes and about 6 milliamperes using a current unit, coupling an electrode probe to the current unit, and inserting the electrode probe transvaginally so that at least one electrode of the electrode probe is in contact with the patient's cervix. The method also includes applying the electrical stimulation current from the current unit through the electrode probe and the at least one electrode to the patient's cervix to produce ripening of the patient's cervix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, novel compositions including steroid hormones, such as trimegestone (TMG) and progesterone (P4), provide treatments for term and preterm labor with significant effects on the delay of delivery. Delay and block of delivery occurs when both P4 and TMG are administered late in gestation in pregnant rat and guinea pig animal models. TMG exhibits remarkable drug efficacy, achieving the same inhibition as P4, but at much lower doses. These hereto unknown effects of TMG on the processes of cervical ripening and uterine contraction provide a novel approach for extending pregnancy term, including reducing a likelihood of preterm and/or term labor, along with improved methods of administration. Other diseases and/or conditions may be treated with TMG, such as dysmenorrhea or luteal insufficiency for sustaining pregnancy.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery. The system includes a control module and a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency greater than or equal to about 5.0 Hertz. The system also includes one or more stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery. The system includes a control module and a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency greater than or equal to about 5.0 Hertz. The system also includes one or more stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.