Abstract: The section-guide graduated ruler for Caesarean section according to the present subject matter includes: a strip-shaped vertical tape having pointed upper and lower ends and having a length corresponding to the distance from the mother's navel to clitoris, and a horizontal tape coupled so as to intersect with the vertical tape, the horizontal tape having a length corresponding to the length of both ilia, thereby guiding a Pfannenstiel incision during Caesarean section.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator includes a cervical cup assembly having a cervical cup with an adjustable diameter to facilitate use of the uterine manipulator with patients having a wide range of cervical sizes. In embodiments, the cervical cup is formed from a plurality of slats that are connected to a base member by a living hinge. An actuator is positioned in relation to the cervical cup to move the slats towards or away from adjacent slats to vary the diameter of the cervical cup.

Abstract: A delivery device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a proximal sheath and a distal sheath. The proximal sheath has a distal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal sheath, and the distal sheath has a proximal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal sheath. The distal end of the proximal sheath and the proximal end of the distal sheath mate so that rotation of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath causes the distal sheath to deflect from coaxial alignment with the proximal sheath. Deflection of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath enables the prosthetic valve to be axially aligned with the native valve annulus for deployment.

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: The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: An episiotomy scissors (2) for use in conducting an episiotomy on a subject is provided, the scissors comprising a pair of pivotably connected scissor members; (4a, 4b) each scissor member comprising a handle (6a, 6b) extending in a proximal direction from the pivot connection and a blade (8a, 8b) extending in a distal direction from the pivot connection; and a guide member (20) mounted to a scissor member and having a guide surface (22a, 22b) extending in a distal direction from the scissor member at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the blade of the scissor member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for decreasing the duration of second stage labor by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A mother's labor is monitored for the progression of the baby along the birth canal and adjustments are performed in response to the progression of labor to promote a vaginal childbirth. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting birth are disclosed. The device is constructed from an elastic material with an elongated center and handles at both ends. A patient grasps the device at one end, while the other end is secured. When the patient experiences a contraction, the patient pulls on the device at a downward angle. The device elastically stretches and causes the patient to utilize correct abdominal muscles for pushing a fetus down a birth canal, thus reducing second stage of labor.

Abstract: Cesarean deliveries account for greater than 30% of the deliveries in the United States. The Cesarean Delivery Incision Template is a tool which assists the surgeon in making the incision uniform in the vertical as well as horizontal plane. The Cesarean Delivery Incision Template is made of a transparent pliable material that easily conforms to the patient's body. Once in place, the surgeon can either use a marking pen to draw a line where the incision it to be placed or run a scalpel along the template to make the incision. The initial incision will be used in all subsequent cesarean deliveries on the patient making the initial placement very important.

Abstract: A catheter device for facilitating release of a structure lodged within a body cavity includes a flexible catheter and carrier configured to mount the catheter to a finger. The catheter includes a leading end having an opening configured to permit fluids within the catheter to exit the catheter, and a proximal end configured to connect to a fluid source. A method using the catheter device to release a fetal head from a maternal pelvis during cesarean delivery of the fetus is provided.

Abstract: A system for assisting and controlling the movement of a portion of a body, such as the head or head and neck is disclosed. The system and the methods of using and controlling the system can be effective in preventing and treating various conditions relating to the movement and positioning of the body or parts of the body. As such, the system can be effective in preventing and treating occipital flattening, plagiocephaly, cervical muscle tightening, torticollis, and other conditions.

Abstract: An equipped modular inflatable belt as aid to labour and delivery, whether at home or in hospital, which can be used even at a distance and remotely, comprising a supporting band (1) and at least one inflatable chamber applied to said band provided with ducts for connection to a supply of an inflating fluid, said belt comprising an electropneumatic apparatus applied to the band (1).

Abstract: A method to allow an easy delivery of a fetus during a Cesarean Section when the fetal head is deeply wedged in the female pelvic cavity using a unique surgical device. The device consists of inflatable portion to lift the fetal head, the inflatable portion being attached to a foldable base plate that can be folded along with the inflatable portion for insertion of the device into the female vagina below the fetal head. The inflatable portion is inflated by injecting a biocompatible fluid with a pressurizing device such as a syringe, pressure bag, hand pump or powered pump. The device may also be utilized in other situations like abdominal delivery of a premature or small baby and when cord prolapse has occurred.

Abstract: A cervical dilating and ripening catheter system includes an elongated tube having a first end and a second end, and a first expandable portion affixed to the second end of the elongated tube. The system also includes a second expandable portion disposed between the first expandable portion and the first end of the elongated tube. The system further includes means for distributing a cervical ripening medication to the cervix.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes inner and outer tubular members with the outer tubular member sized to pass through the body lumen to the deployment site and with the inner tubular member sized to be received within the outer tubular member. The inner and outer tubular members are axially slideable relative to one another between a transport position and a deploy position. The inner tubular member has a stent attachment location at its distal end. The stent attachment location is covered by the outer tubular member when the inner and outer tubular members are in the transport position. The stent attachment location is exposed when the inner and outer tubular members are in the deploy position. A first handle is provided rotatably connected to a proximal end of the outer tubular member for the first handle to transmit to the outer tubular member axial forces applied to the handle by an operator and to rotate freely about the axis relative to the outer tubular member.

Abstract: An obstetrical vacuum extractor having a vacuum cup molded of a first, relatively rigid material, with a lip of a second, relatively soft material secured along the basal opening. An elongated hollow stem which may be coupled to a vacuum source communicates with the interior and, accordingly, the basal opening of the vacuum cup. The first, relatively rigid material of the cup is preferably substantially transparent so that the physician may readily monitor the condition of the fetal scalp throughout delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to technique use device of a tube of air in labor. Design a glove's air system tube wrap around the hand. When the hand wears this design idea's glove. And use it inside a vagina at the time baby's delivery. Air's system can apply inside the tube. It wraps around the hand. This idea's tube of air will help to stretch and open birth canal. With the hope for baby can slide out easier.

Abstract: A device for assisting childbirth, preferably made of separate sheets of loosely knitted polypropylene loops. Each sheet has a control end, an opposite mouth end, and a pair of insertion arms attached to the edges of the sheets. The insertion arms of each sheet slidingly engage one another. Thus, one sheet may be inserted between the fetal head and the birth canal wall until it is properly placed about the fetal head. The second sheet can then engage the first sheet, sliding into position around the fetal head as well, thereby forming an elongated gripping member completely encircling the fetal head. A drawstring may be provided to assist in initiating traction. Thereafter, pulling on the gripping member will cause the loops to lengthen longitudinally and compress in their transverse dimension, causing the circumference of the gripping member to decrease and thereby grip the fetal head.

Abstract: An optical strain gauge is coupled to an obstetrical vacuum extractor to measure the tensile strain resulting from the application of an extraction force. The measured strain is transmitted to a readout device and converted to a readable indication of the force applied. The optical strain gauge may be of any suitable design, so long as the measured reading may be transmitted and converted to a readable indication of the applied force either before or at the readout device. Preferably, the strain gauge is connected with an optical fiber to the readout device. The strain gauge may be coupled to or molded to any portion of the extractor that exhibits a tensile or compressive force or bending as a result of the application of the extraction force.

Abstract: A device for assisting the delivery of a baby. The device comprises a cup having a rim arranged to engage, in use, with the head of a baby. A conduit is attached to the cup and, in use, to a vacuum generating pump to generate a cup-retaining vacuum in the cup. A disk is suspended centrally within the cup by plural force absorbing members, such as springs or elastic members, and is used for absorbing forces that are not perpendicular to the plane of the head engaging rim of the cup during use.

Abstract: Birthwear is provided comprising a top (shirt) and a bottom (pants) wherein the bottom has a front cloth layer and back cloth layer and an inner (crouch) seam (inseam) having a plurality of releasably coupled elements (snaps) releasably attaching the front layer to the back layer. The top also preferably has a pocket on the front layer containing a hole for insertion of monitoring wires. The top preferably has an upper seam which runs along the shoulder and arms of the garment which has a plurality of coupling elements (snaps) for releasably coupling the upper end of a front layer of the shirt with a upper end of a back layer of the shirt. The shirt preferably also has a back seam which runs from the neck of the shirt to the waist of the shirt along the center of the back providing the back with two back portions which are releasably coupled with coupling elements (snaps) for permitting selective access to the back of the wearer.

Abstract: A sheath for use on a closed loop Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probe, and the combination of the and the closed loop probe. The sheath is slipped over the probe, thereby separating the probe from the environment. The sheath has a grip which fits over the handle of the cryosurgical probe, and an extendible shroud which can be longitudinally extended to cover tubing and which are attached to the handle. The sheath has a hollow multi-lumen catheter shaped and sized to fit snugly over the cannula of the cryosurgical probe. The catheter is not thermally conductive, preventing transfer of heat from the ambient to the gas mixture, and preventing the freezing of tissues at undesired locations along the catheter. A thermally conductive cap or tip is attached to the distal end of the hollow catheter. The thermally conductive cap or tip fits snugly over the cold tip on the probe, and it efficiently transfers heat from the target tissue to the cold tip, which in turn transfers heat to the expanded gas mixture.

Abstract: A hog holding apparatus is provided with a loop formed at an end of a rigid elongated tube. The tube is hollow and a rod is slidably positioned within the tube and is attached to one end of the rope that forms the loop. The other end of the rope is secured to a flange formed at the end of the tube. The rod extends through a locking plate that is captured within a j-shaped flange positioned at the opposite end of the tube. The locking plate is spring-biased toward a locked position that binds against the rod prevents further extension of the rod within the tube, which would cause a corresponding increase in the size of the loop. The locking plate may be released by pulling on the rod or by manually manipulating the locking plate to overcome the biasing force. A roughened or threaded surface on the rod reduces slippage of the rod against the locking plate when the locking plate is in the locked position.

Abstract: An abdominal decompression apparatus reduces intra-abdominal pressure in patients by application of negative pressure to the patient's abdomen. Preferably, the negative pressure is applied continuously at low negative pressures (e.g., -20 to -40 mm Hg) for extended periods of time (e.g., 6-12 hours). Changes in the patient's intra-abdominal pressure can be monitored using measurements of the patient's bladder pressure, and treatments can be designed to achieve desired decreases in bladder pressure. To alleviate pain and permit maximum decrease in intra-abdominal pressure, a countertraction mechanism is connected to the shell which encloses the patient's abdomen, and counters the negative pressure induced downward movement of the shell on the patient's chest. The countertraction mechanism is sufficient to reduce or eliminate the negative pressure induced downward movement but is less than an amount which would cause loss of vacuum pressure within said shell.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided. The device includes a pliable, elongated member having a mouth adapted to fit over the head of a fetus, an insertion wand or applicator for positioning the elongated member over the head of the fetus, and a drawstring attached at the mouth. The elongated member is constructed so that as it is pulled longitudinally from the end opposite the mouth, the elongated member will axially grip the head of the fetus in much the same way that the novelty item, "Chinese handcuffs," grip the finger of a user. Once the elongated member has axially engaged the head of the fetus, the elongated member may be used to extract the fetus from the birth canal.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided. The device includes a pliable, elongated cylinder with at least one end to fit over the head of the fetus, insertion wands for positioning the cylinder over the head of the fetus, wand sheaths which hold the insertion wands in place, and a drawstring attached at the open end. An insertion sleeve is used to compress the open end of the cylinder so that the cylinder can be inserted into the mother. An application cone is provided for spreading the open end of the cylinder and guiding it over the head during application. The cylinder is constructed so that as it is pulled from the end opposite the open end, the cylinder will axially grip the head of the fetus and extract the fetus from the mother. A method of using the device is also described.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided. The device includes a pliable, elongated member open at at least one end to fit over the head of the fetus, insertion means for positioning the elongated member over the head of the fetus, and restricting means attached at that one end of the elongated member to decrease the size of the opening at the one end. The elongated member is constructed so that as the elongated member is pulled from the other end, the elongated member will axially grip the head of the fetus.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the birth of livestock is disclosed. The device, known as a fetlock puller, is elongated, has at least one end open, and is sized so that the one open end will fit over the fetlock of an unborn animal fetus. The fetlock is the large bulge on an animal's foreleg just above the hoof. The fetlock puller is constructed of braid material which will cause the device to axially grip the foreleg as traction is applied. The device can also be used to suspend a newborn animal and hook it to a scale so it can be weighed.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth including a pliable, elongated, hollow member sized to fit over the head of the fetus, collar means attached at one end of the member to restrict the opening of the hollow member at that end to the desired size and insertion means for inserting the elongated, hollow member over the head of the fetus.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a vacuum bell assembly for assisting an obstetrician in controlling and accurately attaching the cranial traction cup to a predetermined attachment point on the infant's head during childbirth. The handle is typically designed to offer a measure of flexibility when pulling traction is applied during use so that even if the obstetrician is not pulling exactly on a straight axis, the cup will not be disengaged from it's attachment to the fetal scalp thereby interrupting the delivery process. The vacuum bell assembly has a cranial extraction cup fabricated from a soft, readily expandable material. This reduces the chances of injury to the fetal scalp and to the tender tissue of the vaginal walls in the birth canal. The cranial traction cup defines an internal attachment chamber having an outer opening for attaching the cup to a portion of an infant's head located within the internal attachment chamber.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided having a pliable, elongated, hollow member sized to fit over the head of the fetus, collar means attached at one end of the member to restrict the opening of the hollow member at that end to the desired size and insertion means for inserting the elongated, hollow member over the head of the fetus. The hollow member can be linearly reinforced along it's length.

Abstract: A pneumatic cuff assembly fitting over and around the entire maternal abdomen is intermittently inflated to a low and safe pressure in synchrony with the mother's voluntary straining efforts in order to augment the intra-abdominal pressure to assist the delivery of the fetus at the final stage of child birth.

Abstract: A pair of obstetrical spatulas especially useful during the second stage or expulsion stage of labor during childbirth to assist in helping the fetal head to exit from the pelvic outlet by closely simulating the normal movements of the fetal head in the birth canal. Each spatula includes a blade provided with cephalic curve configuration to conform with and engage the fetal head with the blades including a shank or pedicule which form an angle of approximately 35.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the blades to provide a perineal curve. The pedicules are connected to a semicircular segment by a hinge at each end of the semicircular segment to enable articulate movement of the pedicules and blades in directions toward and away from each other and in longitudinal or axial directions.

Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's vagina during childbirth is provided comprising a pliable, elongated, hollow member sized to fit over the head of the fetus and a size adjustable collar attached at one end of the member to restrict the opening of the hollow member at that end to the desired size.