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: 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 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: An improved electrode system for monitoring fetal heartbeat includes a curved guide tube adapted to be inserted through the vagina and cervix of a woman in labor, a retaining coil mounted on a holder member which is slidably disposed in the guide tube, a flexible driving tube adapted to rotate the holder member to screw the retaining coil into a fetal epidermis and two spaced electrodes which are adapted to be electrically connected to a suitable apparatus for monitoring fetal heartbeat. In the first disclosed embodiment of the invention one of the electrodes is a pointed member mounted in the holder which mounts the retaining coil. The retaining coil, when screwed into the fetal epidermis, maintains the pointed first electrode in piercing engagement with the fetus. In the second disclosed embodiment the retaining coil and the first electrode are one and the same structure, i.e., the first electrode is in the form of a coil which is adapted to screw into the fetal epidermis.