Abstract: A fetal data processing system and method and a fetal monitor and method for monitoring the condition of a fetus are disclosed. A fetal heart rate time series is received and sampled. A non-linear time-frequency transformation is performed to generate a time-frequency representation of the fetal heart rate time series for heart rate time series data spanning a time period which is preferably less than ten seconds. Analysis of fetal heart rate and fetal heart rate variability and other available data is performed to evaluate fetal well-being. Because of the high time resolution of the transformation, short-term transient variations in heart rate and heart rate variability are considered in the analysis.

Abstract: A biomagnetic field measurement apparatus includes a bed which holds a subject to be inspected in a shielded room. A cryostat holds a plurality of SQUID magnetometers at low temperature. The cryostat is arranged in the shielded room and the plurality of SQUID magnetometers detect a magnetic field generated from the subject. A driving and detecting circuit drives the plurality of SQUID magnetometers and detects signals therefrom that are processed by a computer. A display that is arranged in the shielded room displays data for viewing by an operator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for long-term, non-invasive measuring of fetal heart rate. The method utilizes the characteristic curves of first and second heart sound received by the preferred electroacoustical converter. The identification and distinction of first and second sounds, furthermore their time relation used for heartbeat identification highly increase the reliability of fetal heart rate determination. The distinction of first and second sound is based on the differences in frequency spectrums measured in a relatively short time window and by the estimation of the power peaks measured on two test frequencies chosen on the two ends of the frequency range of fetal heart sound. The method is implemented in an integrated apparatus to achieve low power consumption for battery-operated long-term measurements. Digital filtering and selective power estimation is applied for continuous computation of power time function on the two test frequencies.

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: A fetal data processing system and method, and a fetal monitor and method for monitoring the condition of a fetus are disclosed. A fetal heart rate time series is received and sampled. A non-linear time-frequency transformation is performed to generate a time-frequency representation of the fetal heart rate time series for heart rate time series data spanning a time period which is preferably less than ten seconds. Analysis of fetal heart rate and fetal heart rate variability and other available data is performed to evaluate fetal well-being. Because of the high time resolution of the transformation, short-term transient variations in the heart rate and heart rate variability are considered in the analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the condition of at least one fetus is provided. The fetal monitoring system includes a plurality of fetal well-being sensors, each of which detects signals during a monitoring period. The system also includes at least one interface unit, a central processing unit connected to the interface unit and a monitoring unit connected to the central processing unit. The interface unit is connected to the fetal well-being sensor for transmitting the detected signals. The central processing unit includes means for receiving and processing the signals . The monitoring unit enables the medical staff to monitor the transmitted and processed signals.

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.

Abstract: An improved fetal pulse oximeter sensor. The friction provided on the sensor head surface to engage the fetus is higher than the friction on the back side of the sensor head. Thus, any contact with a maternal surface by the back side of the sensor head is less likely to dislodge the sensor, since the maternal tissues will slide over the sensor head. The portion of the sensor surface in contact with the fetus' head will not move because of the increased friction. The increased friction can be achieved by using two different materials with different coefficients of friction, or by using a smooth surface on the back of the sensor head, and a rough surface on the sensor face.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring detectable intermittent signals generated by a living being. In one embodiment, a pregnancy monitoring system monitors fetal heat beat and/or uterine contractions. A belt is configured to fit around the abdomen of a pregnant woman, with belt ends fastened together at her back. A number of sensors are mounted on the belt to detect fetal heartbeat and transmit corresponding electrical systems, preferably by wireless means, to a distant monitoring station. At least one uterine contraction sensor may also be mounted on the belt for detecting uterine contractions and transmitting a corresponding electrical signal to the monitoring station. In a second embodiment, an apron or jacket for placement in tight, uniform contact over the chest contains a plurality of sensors for detecting cardiac signals. These electrocardiographic signals are transmitted by a wireless transmitter to a distant, central monitoring system to produce a valid data signal at the remote station.