Abstract: A circuit board for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) has a circuit board land connected to at least one electrical circuit. A hermetic feedthrough terminal pin connector for the AIMD includes an electrical insulator hermetically sealed to an opening of an electrically conductive ferrule. A terminal pin of the feedthrough extends outwardly beyond the insulator. A terminal pin connector has an electrically conductive connector housing that is connected to the circuit board land by an electrical connection material. At least one electrically conductive prong supported by the connector housing contacts and compresses against the feedthrough terminal pin to thereby make a removable electrical connection between the circuit board and the terminal pin. An insulative material loaded with electrically insulative nanoparticles coats at least a portion of the sidewall of the connector housing and the electrical connection material connecting the connector housing to the circuit board land.

Abstract: A compact ECG snap connector is disclosed. A channeled U shaped body is formed from a thin sheet of electrically conductive and resilient material. The body is dimensioned to be compatible with standard ECG snap connector pins, and can be fastened to a printed circuit board. Fixed structures located in proximity to the channeled U shaped body provide mechanical restrictions on the expansion and contraction of the channeled U shaped body's aperture.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement system comprising a pressure sensor guide wire comprising a pressure sensor located in a distal region of the pressure sensor guide wire that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel of a human body and a transceiver unit communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor guide wire. The transceiver unit comprises a housing adapted to be used external to the human body, a sensor signal adapting circuitry configured to process pressure sensor values generated by the pressure sensor to create processed pressure sensor values, and a first transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a signal representing the processed pressure sensor values using first, second, and third packets at first, second, and third frequencies.

Abstract: A physiological condition determination system and method can include: attaching a tag to animal tissue; emitting light into the animal tissue; detecting a first optical signal; extracting a first measurement of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation from the first optical signal; qualifying the first measurement of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation as a baseline; detecting a second optical signal with the optical sensor; extracting a second measurement of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation from the second optical signal; qualifying the second measurement of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation; storing the second measurement of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation as a tag feature set; storing a history; determining animal distress based on the difference between the second measurement of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation and the baseline; and sending an instruction to the tag.

Abstract: A fetal scalp monitor is disclosed that enables a medical professional to monitor the well-being of a fetus in utero. The fetal scalp monitor has a main body, with a central core having a temperature sensor, conductive dome, grounding ring, and tocodynamometer. The main body also has at least one adhesive portion to facilitate the attachment of the device onto the scalp of a fetus, and a plurality of concentric rings to militate against amniotic fluids from entering the adhesive portion. The vital signs of the infant and conditions inside the uterus are then transmitted, either wired or wirelessly, to a fetus monitoring device.

Abstract: A temperature probe includes: an antenna, a coupling element, a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and a temperature measuring circuit. The antenna is connected to a capacitor in the coupling element to form a resonant loop, and is configured to sense an electromagnetic wave emitted by a reader and a store harvested energy in the capacitor to supply power to the RFID chip. The RFID chip is connected to the antenna and the coupling element, and is configured to send stored electronic tag information to the reader via the antenna. The temperature measuring circuit is connected to the RFID chip, and is configured to detect temperature information of an object and to send the temperature information to the reader via the antenna. Also provided is a temperature measuring device. The temperature probe and the temperature measuring device do not require a battery, are small-sized, and have a long service life.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus comprising a needle configured to define a path through tissue of a patient, tubing configured to slidably receive the needle via a proximal opening, an anchor configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the tubing, and an anchor deployment member comprising a body and an anchor engagement member. Such an apparatus may be used to introduce and anchor an implantable medical device element within a patient.

Abstract: A physiological signal detection clamp for being detachably disposed on a fabric worn by a living body, the physiological signal detection clamp includes: a body, two electrode units, a processing unit and a wireless transmission unit. Each of the two opposite side surfaces of the body has a fixing unit. The body is configured to clamp on the fabric by the two fixing unit. When the body is clamped on the fabric, the sensing surfaces of the two electrode units are correspondingly exposed on the outer side surface of the body and attach to the body surface of the living body for detecting the micro electric signal on the body surface of the living body. The processing unit transfers the micro electric signal detected by the electrode unit into a wireless transmission signal, and the wireless transmission unit outputs the wireless transmission signal.

Abstract: Methods for ultrasonic inspection of a structure by laying a flexible two-dimensional flexible ultrasonic transducer array over a damage site on the structure with minimal physical interaction with the array during set-up and without further movement of the array during data acquisition. In addition, the array may remain in place on a difficult-to-access surface to enable easy periodic inspections over a long period of time. In some embodiments, the array is sandwiched between a flexible delay line substrate and a flexible display panel. In accordance with one wireless embodiment, a GPS receiver, a transceiver, pulser/receiver circuitry, and a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery) are attached to a portion of the flexible delay line substrate that extends beyond one edge of the array.

Abstract: An introducer adapted to facilitate positioning of a catheter, such as an intrauterine catheter, is provided. The introducer includes an elongate member having an outer wall defining a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal lumen for reception of a catheter, e.g., an intrauterine catheter. The outer wall includes first and second longitudinal edges defining a longitudinal slot in communication with the longitudinal lumen. The outer wall has a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and defining a thickness at an opposed location generally opposing the longitudinal slot greater than a thickness at edge locations adjacent the first and second longitudinal edges, to thereby permit the first and second longitudinal edges to be displaced relative to each other to increase a dimension of the longitudinal slot to facilitate one of removal or insertion of the catheter via the longitudinal slot and relative to the longitudinal lumen.

Abstract: A fully implantable cardiac pacemaker system is provided. The pacemaker system includes a pacemaker having an electrode sub-assembly containing an electrode and a base into which the electrode is embedded. It also includes an implantable package that has electronic components for providing electrical pulses to a patient's heart. The pacemaker also has a power supply and a flexible electrically conductive lead that connects the electronic components to the electrode. In addition to the pacemaker, the pacemaker system includes a removable insertion casing that is physically attached to the base portion of the electrode sub-assembly. Upon insertion of the pacemaker into a patient's heart, the pacemaker is detached from the removable insertion casing and deployed fully in the patient's chest. The pacemaker system has particular use in fetal applications.

Abstract: The invention features a method including: (i) providing spectrally resolved information about light coming from different spatial locations in a sample comprising deep tissue in response to an illumination of the sample, wherein the light includes contributions from different components in the sample; (ii) decomposing the spectrally resolved information for each of at least some of the different spatial locations into contributions from spectral estimates associated with at least some of the components in the sample; and (iii) constructing a deep tissue image of the sample based on the decomposition to preferentially show a selected one of the components.

Abstract: The invention features a method including: (i) providing spectrally resolved information about light coming from different spatial locations in a sample comprising deep tissue in response to an illumination of the sample, wherein the light includes contributions from different components in the sample; (ii) decomposing the spectrally resolved information for each of at least some of the different spatial locations into contributions from spectral estimates associated with at least some of the components in the sample; and (iii) constructing a deep tissue image of the sample based on the decomposition to preferentially show a selected one of the components.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a fetal electrode (1) that is connected to a drive tube (31) by a torque limiting connection (30). The connection allows the drive tube to separate from the electrode hub once a predetermined torque has been reached. The electrode hub is also provided with a deflection surface (9) that deflects the drive tube away from the fetal electrode into the hand of the operator, as rotation of the drive tube continues beyond the point of disconnection. Features are also provided to make the fetal electrode more compact and to optimise the fECG signal recorded on the electrode wires (5, 9).

Abstract: A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biosensor comprising an electrically conductive substrate, with a first layer comprising Ruthenium Purple formed on the substrate, a second layer comprising polyaniline or a derivative thereof comprising one or more non-polar substituents formed on the first layer, and a third layer comprising one or more enzymes trapped within a matrix formed on the second layer. The biosensor is for use in the detection of analytes such as purines and derivatives thereof, particularly in the detection of hypoxanthine.

Abstract: A device (100) for monitoring movement of a baby during labour is provided, comprising a movement sensing unit (210) for determining movement of a fetal scalp electrode relative to the device, and an output unit (220) arranged to output movement information indicative of the movement of the fetal scalp electrode. The movement sensing unit may comprise a rotatable member such as a wheel (410) for contacting the fetal scalp electrode (FSE) and rotating in response to linear movement thereof. In some embodiments, the device includes an optical movement sensing device for optically sensing linear movement of the FSE and outputting an electrical signal in response thereto. Preferably, the output unit (220) is arranged to wirelessly output the movement information.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.

Abstract: A method for fetal monitoring includes acquiring electrical signals from a set of electrodes, for example, a set of surface electrodes applied to a maternal abdominal region. The electrical signals are analyzed, including by performing a morphological analysis of fetal electrocardiogram signals. A clinical indicator is then determined from a result of performing the morphological analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems and devices to monitor vascular volume status during renal replacement therapy utilizing at least one oximetry/photoplethysmography sensor. The methods, systems and devices provide an alternative to conventional vascular volume monitoring methods during renal replacement therapy while enabling reliable, non-invasive, and automatic monitoring of vascular volume to avert patient hypotension. The methods, systems and devices may be employed in the context of both inpatient and outpatient dialysis facilities and may also be incorporated into conventional hemodialysis and hemofiltration techniques and equipment.

Abstract: An electrode interface system for providing a connection between at least one electrode and a maternal-fetal monitor, wherein the interface system converts electrical muscle activity captured by the electrode(s) into uterine activity data signals for use by the maternal-fetal monitor. The electrode interface system of the invention preferably includes a conversion means for converting the signals from the electrode(s) into signals similar to those produced by a tocodynometer.

Abstract: A blind adaptive filter of an apparatus in an example employs a frequency domain ECG-feature vector and a time domain ECG feature vector with a maternal ECG parameter estimate and a set of candidate fetal ECG estimates that satisfy the frequency domain ECG-feature-vector, to extract a fetal ECG signal estimate from raw abdominal ECG signals of a pregnant female. The fetal ECG signal estimate satisfies the frequency domain ECG feature-vector and the time domain ECG feature vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter and a control unit for providing visual images, measurements, and for performing gynecological procedures. The catheter has a tip with a light and at least one sensor. The catheter is connected to the control unit and the control unit converts the signal from the catheter into measurements or visual images. The information may be displayed on a LCD screen or printed on paper to provide the user with a hard copy. The catheter may include a blade, an electrode, or a pressure inducing or relieving source.

Abstract: A fetal heart rate electrode assembly, a connector for use therewith and a cable assembly including a housing assembly configured for engagement with the connector. The electrode assembly includes a drive knob configured and located for selective extension of a fetal scalp electrode beyond a distal end thereof. The connector comprises a rotationally omnidirectional contact assembly disposed within a dielectric housing including an annular groove on the exterior thereof The housing assembly includes longitudinally resiliently biased pin contacts for end face contact with the contacts of the connector disposed within an inner housing of the housing assembly having an O-ring and an annular retention element positioned to respectively wipe the exterior of the connector housing and grasp the connector housing at the annular groove when the connector is inserted thereinto. A system and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A limited use medical probe is disclosed, including a memory for maintaining a use value. The medical probe is coupled to a medical device that inhibits its function when the use value reaches a predetermined threshold value, preventing improper use of the probe. The probe memory may also store identification, usage, and clinical data. A probe auto-identification function, a probe re-identification function and a probe functional test sequence are disclosed for the medical probe. After use, a reprocessing step may reset the probe memory, permitting further probe use.

Abstract: A disposable and noninvasive intrauterine fetal monitoring electrode assembly for monitoring fetal heart rate comprises an electrode strip for insertion into the uterus of a woman in active labor, between and in contact with the tissue of the uterine wall and the baby, and an interconnect cable for connecting the assembly to fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip comprises a flexible two-sided insulating strip having one or more electrodes disposed on each side of the strip. An electrical connector cable containing electrical leads provides electrical connectivity between each electrode, and a separate electrical lead disposed within the connector cable to the fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip of the assembly includes a grip feature by which the electrode strip may be engaged to facilitate its positioning in the uterus.

Abstract: A micron-scale self-referencing microsensor is disclosed which uses an enzyme-based electrode to measure the flux of an electrochemically inactive analyte such as glucose. The electrode oscillates between at least two positions. In the presence of the analyte, the enzyme generates a species detectable by the electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual feedback to aid in the proper placement and location of a fetal sensor during a fetal oximetry monitoring procedure. An imaging device, such as an optical fiber can be used to image and illuminate the same or nearby region of tissue which the fetal sensor contacts. The image from the illuminated portion of tissue is transmitted along the optical fiber to an optical viewing device such as a hand-held image viewing instrument, camera, or an image processor/video display.

Abstract: A fetal scalp electrode is provided having a spiral tip 5 mounted on the distal end of a dielectric hub 4 and a reference electrode 9 mounted on the proximal end thereof. Conventional apparatus including drive tube (3) and guide tube (2) are used to attach the spiral tip to the fetal scalp in a cork screw fashion. These components are removed leaving electrode wires (8) connected to spiral tip (5) and reference electrode (9) respectively extending from the fetus for connection to suitable monitoring equipment. The spiral tip (5) of the electrode is formed of stainless steel pype 905L which is essentially non-magnetic and non-magnetisable. This has been found to overcome a significant problem of prior art electrodes when used for detecting S-T wave intervals in particular where magnetic properties of the stainless steel typically used can lead to losses of critical portions of the signal.

Abstract: A disposable and noninvasive intrauterine fetal monitoring electrode assembly for monitoring fetal heart rate comprises an electrode strip for insertion into the uterus of a woman in active labor, between and in contact with the tissue of the uterine wall and the baby, and an interconnect cable for connecting the assembly to fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip comprises a flexible two-sided insulating strip having one or more electrodes disposed on each side of the strip. An electrical connector cable containing electrical leads provides electrical connectivity between each electrode, and a separate electrical lead disposed within the connector cable to the fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip of the assembly includes a grip feature by which the electrode strip may be engaged to facilitate its positioning in the uterus.

Abstract: The insulation piercing electrical contact in accordance with the invention consists of a first contact element (20) for establishing an electrical contact with a second contact element (30), a contacting member (50) piercing an electrical conductor (60, 63) when the two contact elements (20, 30) are joined. The first contact element is provided with a molding (20) that encloses the electrical conductor (60, 63) at the contact side and electrically insulates it.

Abstract: A disposable and noninvasive intrauterine fetal monitoring electrode assembly for monitoring fetal heart rate comprises an electrode strip for insertion into the uterus of a woman in active labor, between and in contact with the tissue of the uterine wall and the baby, and an interconnect cable for connecting the assembly to fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip comprises a flexible two-sided insulating strip having one or more electrodes disposed on each side of the strip. An electrical connector cable containing electrical leads provides electrical connectivity between each electrode and a separate electrical lead disposed within the connector cable to the fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip of the assembly includes a grip feature by which the electrode strip may be engaged to facilitate its positioning in the uterus.

Abstract: A non-invasive medical probe includes a suction cup adapted to be secured by vacuum to a patient's skin and supporting an electrode, a source of vacuum, and a resilient walled tube structure connecting the source of vacuum to the suction cup, the source of vacuum including a resilient bellows operative when fully compressed and then released to apply a predetermined low level of vacuum to the suction cup and an arrangement connected with the bellows for enabling the bellows to be further extended manually in order to increase the vacuum applied to the suction cup to a higher level, the arrangement including a thumb ring secured to a closed end of the bellows and a finger abutment at an opposite end of the bellows.

Abstract: A modified Foley catheter transmits desired data to transducers that allow the measuring of intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate by healthcare providers on appropriate output devices. A method employs the catheter to indirectly measure intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate from within the maternal bladder or rectum, thereby allowing the healthcare professional to choose to monitor these fetal characteristics without committing the mother and fetus to childbirth and without the risks associated with intrauterine measuring methods.

Abstract: A fetal electrode assembly including a housing having a first opening for receiving a first connector and a second opening for receiving a second connector. The second connector is a snap connector of an electrode mounted on a mother's body. A support is disposed within the housing and has an access opening communicating with the second opening. A contact is mounted on the support opposite the second opening. The contact includes a pair of spaced, resilient members adapted to resiliently engage and make electrical contact with the snap connector. In one aspect of the invention, the contact is bent to define a pair of parallel spaced apart legs, one end of each of the legs being interconnected by a resilient loop portion, the other ends of the legs being free.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a fetal scalp electrode for use in monitoring fetal heart rate. The connector assembly is used in conjunction with a fetal monitor coupling device and includes a holder formed of an insulating material and a fetal electrode and a maternal electrode secured to the holder. Each wire of an insulated pair of elongated flexible wires is electrically connected to a respective one of the fetal and maternal electrodes. The connector assembly further includes a connector having a pin contact electrically connected to one of the wires and a cylindrical contact electrically connected to the other of the wires. The cylindrical contact is mounted coaxially with the pin contact so that the contacts are electrically isolated from each other and are positioned to make electrical contact with complementary contacts in the coupling device. The connector assembly also preferably includes an elongated tubular sheath that covers the connector and is sized to be received in the coupling device.

Abstract: A fetal electrode sleeve and wire interconnect system for transmitting signals indicative of fetal heart rate from a fetus inside a mother through a cable to a monitor external to the mother. The system includes a holder having a fetal spiral electrode on one end and a maternal reference electrode on its opposite end. A safety cap has a retention groove, a grip, a tip with a recessed end opposite the grip, and a conductive sleeve. The conductive sleeve has a first end enclosed by the grip, a second end enclosed by the tip, and an intermediate exposed portion enclosed by neither the grip nor the tip.

Abstract: A disposable and noninvasive intrauterine fetal monitoring electrode assembly for monitoring fetal heart rate comprises an electrode strip for insertion into the uterus of a woman in active labor, between and in contact with the tissue of the uterine wall and the baby, and an interconnect cable for connecting the assembly to fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip comprises a flexible two-sided insulating strip having one or more electrodes disposed on each side of the strip. An electrical connector cable containing electrical leads provides electrical connectivity between each electrode and a separate electrical lead disposed within the connector cable to the fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip of the assembly includes a grip feature by which the electrode strip may be engaged to facilitate its positioning in the uterus.

Abstract: A body electrode and connector for a fetal electrode has an electrically insulated substrate with an electrical contact strip on the lower surface and two electrical contact strips on the upper surface. An electrically conductive hydrogel layer extends beneath the lower contact strip and adheres to the mother's skin and makes electrical contact with the lower strip, forming a body electrode. Two parallel, but non-engaging, regions of electrically conductive adhesive are disposed over the two upper surface contact strips. The adhesive regions are, in turn, covered by resilient foam strips. Prior to use, the front portions of the electrically conductive adhesive regions are kept from adhesive engagement with the foam strips by removable release liners. The device is deployed by removing a hydrogel-covering release liner and attaching the device to the inner thigh or lower abdomen of the mother.

Abstract: A non-invasive medical probe includes a suction cup adapted to be secured by vacuum to a patient's skin and supporting an electrode, a source of vacuum, and a resilient walled tube structure connecting the source of vacuum to the suction cup, the source of vacuum including a resilient bellows operative when fully compressed and then released to apply a predetermined low level of vacuum to the suction cup and an arrangement connected with the bellows for enabling the bellows to be further extended manually in order to increase the vacuum applied to the suction cup to a higher level, the arrangement including a thumb ring secured to a closed end of the bellows and a finger abutment at an opposite end of the bellows.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator for sensors to be used in medicine, which serves to screw in a sensor in the skin of a living organism, specially in a non-observable area, e.g. the head skin of a child in the womb. In this respect the torque while screwing the sensors into the tissue of the patient is limited to least to a maximum, while ensuring at the same time that the torque is kept to an indispensable minimum. The applicant (1) interacts with a torque limiter (5) and comprises a device that makes it possible to detect the threshold value of the torque limiter.

Abstract: A fetal probe with an elongate body and fetal sensor for insertion above the presenting part of the fetus. An expandable means is on the distal end of the body of the sensor for urging the sensor into engagement with the fetus. The expandable means has a collapsed state to facilitate insertion into the cervix.

Abstract: Vacuum in a non-invasive medical probe having a source of vacuum interconnected with a suction cup by a resilient walled tube, is reduced in a controlled manner by creating a valve aperture in the wall of the tube at a desired location through which aperture no appreciable leakage will occur when vacuum is applied and the tube is in a relaxed state, whereby with the suction cup secured by vacuum on a patient's skin, application of a force to the tube wall will open the aperture and permit a controlled reduction of vacuum in the suction cup to a specified amount. Releasing the force permits the aperture to close so that lower vacuum is maintained and the suction cup continues to be secured on the patient's skin. In a preferred application there is provided a probe adapted for application to the scalp of a fetus with the rim of the suction cup in sealing contact with the surface of the scalp.

Abstract: A fetal electrode assembly for use in monitoring fetal heart rate and used in conjunction with a fetal monitor coupling device supported on the mother's body. The assembly including fetal and maternal electrodes secured to an insulating holder, a connector dimensioned and shaped to be received in an opening in a coupling device housing and having first and second contacts separated and electrically isolated from each other and positioned to make electrical contact with complementary contact members in the coupling device. An insulated pair of elongated flexible wires, each electrically connecting a respective one of the first and second contacts to a respective one of the fetal and maternal electrodes. An elongate tubular sheath covers the connector and has a first open end extending over and receiving the ends of the pair of flexible wires, the opposite end of the sheath being spaced from each of the electrodes.

Abstract: An intrauterine catheter device for monitoring fetal and/or maternal heart rate, including an elongate housing having proximal and distal portions, an array of ECG electrodes on the distal portion and one or more acoustic or other mechanical sensors on the distal portion. A pressure transducer may also be provided on the distal portion. Processor circuitry compares the ECG signal with the output signal of the acoustic sensor to derive fetal and/or maternal heart rate. An intrauterine catheter device is also provided, including a reference electrode on its distal portion, and an array of active electrodes spaced apart from one another on the distal portion. The device may also include a pressure transducer on the distal portion and processor circuitry coupled to the array of active electrodes and/or to the reference electrode for deriving fetal ECG from signals produced by the array of active electrodes.

Abstract: The combination of a pressure control and a catheter including an elongate member, a sensor mounted on the catheter and adapted to be placed in pressure engagement with tissue for sensing signals resulting from physiological phenomena and an expandable member mounted on the elongate member for maintaining the sensor in contact with the tissue. A pressure source is connected to the expandable member for maintaining the expandable member inflated and a pressure controller coupled to the expandable member for maintaining the contact pressure between the sensor and the tissue within preselected limits.

Abstract: A fetal monitoring assembly includes an electrode housing having a top and bottom end with a spiraled electrode extending from the top end thereof. Extending from the bottom end is flat plate and a plurality of wires which couple the electrode with a fetal monitor. The wires are encompassed within an elongated tube having first and second ends with a pair of opposing notches at a first end dimensioned to receive the electrode plate. The tube is formed of two mating semi-cylindrical sections which may be separated when removing the tube. The terminal end of each wire has a female electrical receptacle for conveniently coupling the wires to a fetal video monitor plug. A second end of the tube has a circumferential removable strip which compresses the tube about the wires and prevents the two sections from separating until the user has properly installed the electrode.

Abstract: An oximeter sensor with an expandable element for positioning the sensor against the fetus. The expandable element is positioned to be removed from at least one of the emitter and detector so that the portion of the sensor adjacent the emitter or detector is not pressed unduly by the expandable element to exsanguinate the tissue. A constant pressure differential between a pressure of the expandable element and an amniotic pressure may be maintained.

Abstract: A sensor device for measuring the vital parameters of a fetus during birth. The sensor device includes a sensor having a wire spiral for attaching the sensor to the fetus, and a placement device for placing the sensor on a leading part of the fetus. A measuring device is connected to the sensor, and the sensor has on a front side facing the fetus at least one light emitter and at least one receiver which are conductively connected with the measuring device. The conductors are arranged in a cable branching off the sensor towards the measuring device, and the cable is introduced laterally, and essentially tangentially, onto a back surface of the sensor and extending in front of an insertion point into the sensor to form a helical partial winding approximately in a plane that extends approximately perpendicular to a center axis of the wire spiral.

Abstract: A non-invasive fetal probe having enhanced adhesion and electrical isolation for attaching to the presenting part of a fetus and sensing at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical isolation of the fetal probe includes a non-conductive element used in combination with various conductive assemblies made from gel formulations which are polymerized to form a fetal sensor. The non-conductive element in addition to providing physical separation also enhances electrical separation between fetal and maternal sensing elements of the fetal probe. Non-invasive fetal probes having low-profile designs are also provided which help decrease the tendency of the fetal probes to detach caused by forces generated upon the probe by the head of the fetus, the cervix of the mother, or both.