Abstract: An end effector device and system for suction-based grasping of bagged objects that can include a body structure with a vacuum line opening and an object engagement region, the vacuum line opening being configured to couple at least one pressure line of a vacuum pressure system to a defined internal channel of the body structure; the body structure comprising an internal structure that defines a concave inner chamber with a chamber opening at the object engagement region; and the internal structure comprising an array of inlets positioned along at least one wall of the concave inner chamber, wherein each inlet defines an opening in the body to the defined internal channel.

Abstract: An end effector device and system for suction-based grasping of bagged objects that can include a body structure with a vacuum line opening and an object engagement region, the vacuum line opening being configured to couple at least one pressure line of a vacuum pressure system to a defined internal channel of the body structure; the body structure comprising an internal structure that defines a concave inner chamber with a chamber opening at the object engagement region; and the internal structure comprising an array of inlets positioned along at least one wall of the concave inner chamber, wherein each inlet defines an opening in the body to the defined internal channel. The body structure may additionally include a suction cup system that comprises a flexible sealing lip at the object engagement region; wherein the chamber opening being positioned within a grasping region of the sealing lip.

Abstract: A computer-based surgery support system and method for obtaining information of surgical procedures from networked equipment in an operating room, storing the retrieved information in a database, receiving a request for the stored information from a user terminal, and providing the stored information in accordance with the received request. The networked equipment may be configured for use in cataract surgical procedures, such as a phacoemulsification system.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing an incontinent cervix during pregnancy are described. A system may include a nesting portion designed to surround the cervix without applying pressure to the cervix, while supporting the uterus in opposition to the weight of the developing fetus to prevent untimely effacement and dilatation of the cervix; thereby reducing the risk of premature birth and its consequence.

Abstract: A surgical device that provides a suction force against a patient's body. The device includes a stem having a proximate end and a distal end, the stem disposed about a channel, a suction head extending from the stem and defining a suction chamber in fluid communication with the channel, the suction head having a contact surface, and an articulating joint disposed between the contact surface of the suction head and the distal end of the stem. The articulating joint may be an annular joint and a living hinge. The surgical device may also include a handle disposed about the channel directly or may be disposed about the stem which is disposed about the channel. The handle may include a plurality of ribs extending outward which form a profile matching a profile of a user's hand.

Abstract: A postpartum balloon system includes a flexible elongate catheter, an inflatable balloon, and a suction member attached to the distal end of the catheter. The system can be delivered into the uterus, where suction is applied to the suction member to anchor the balloon to the internal wall of the uterus. The catheter may include drainage ports both proximal and distal from the balloon. The system may include a stiffening stylet inserted into the drainage lumen of the catheter for aiding in delivery of the balloon. The stiffening stylet can be removed after placement of the balloon. The stiffening stylet can include side passageways that match the drainage ports and a lumen that allows for drainage through the stylet, as well as for administering drugs or other compounds through the drainage ports while the balloon is in place.

Abstract: An obstetric apparatus and method for repositioning a fetal head within the birth canal of a woman in labor. A user, typically an obstetrician, surgeon or similarly trained medical personnel, can efficiently and safely engage a fetal head that is wedged in the parturient woman's pelvis and lift it up in the birth canal towards the uterus, for safe delivery of the baby via C-section. The apparatus comprises an elongated and substantially rigid shaft, a pivoting neck and a soft engaging portion that includes a flexible outer cup and an inflatable inner cup for engaging the fetal head. The inventive apparatus and method can provide a mechanical advantage for repositioning the head of the fetus, and can provide assistance for C-section delivery in order to minimize maternal and neonatal complications.

Abstract: Device for haemostatic control of a blood flow, comprising a suction cup which provides leaktight coverage and is able to surround and be applied tightly to a tissue area (2) that is to be treated, said tissue area (2) being the site of a haemorrhage or of a blood flow that is to be controlled, this suction cup (3) coming into contact with the periphery of the tissue area and delimiting an internal volume (8) which is connected in a leaktight manner, by a catheter or a similar connecting tube (7), to an external aspiration element that establishes a vacuum, so as to create an underpressure of defined value within this volume between the suction cup and the tissue area, the suction cup (3) having the general shape of a dome (4), of which the base (5) supports an inner bearing element (11) that can be arranged opposite the tissue area (2) under the suction cup (3). The invention lies in the inner bearing element being formed by a solid obturator (11) or an open grill (13).

Abstract: A uterine contractile device includes a series of perforated tubes, a sealing balloon, and an additional connecting tube to deliver a vacuum force inside the lumen of a postpartum uterus. The uterine contractile device may be used after child birth to facilitate contraction of a woman's uterus. By facilitating contraction of the uterus, a medical professional may achieve immediate and sustained hemostasis of the mother.

Abstract: A device for accessing a hollow organ comprises an elongated body sized for insertion into an entrance passage to the hollow organ, the elongated body including an outer sealing surface engaging an inner surface of the entrance passage and a working channel extending therethrough from a proximal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position is proximal to a proximal opening of the entrance passage, to a distal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, extends distally past a distal opening of the entrance passage into the hollow organ and a plurality of suction holes formed through an outer wall of the elongated body, disposed around a circumference of a portion of the elongated body which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, is located within the entrance passage in combination with a vacuum channel formed in the elongated body for transferring a negative pressure to the suction holes to increase a sealing force applied by tissue of the entrance pa

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a vacuum container configured to provide and substantially maintain a built-in vacuum pressure; a contact member configured to contact and substantially enclose a surface area; a vacuum device configured to couple the built-in vacuum pressure to the surface area thereby applying a suction force over the surface area; and a conduit coupled to the vacuum container; wherein the vacuum container is also configured to retain a substance collected from adjacent the surface area, wherein the conduit is configured to direct the substance to the vacuum container, and to maintain substantially the same level of vacuum pressure as the vacuum container, wherein the vacuum container comprises a collapsible container, and wherein the collapsible container comprises a spring member configured to maintain a tension in a wall of the vacuum container.

Abstract: An obstetric vacuum extractor (20) comprises a cylinder (22) communicating with a cup (26), and a handle (46) connected to a piston (38) via an extensible bias element (52) to evacuate the cup. The bias element permits relative movement between the handle and the piston. The bias element limits force transmitted to the piston, and movement of the piston relative to the handle operates an indicator to confirm that low pressure has been maintained within the cup. A cup for such an extractor comprises inner (130) and outer (132) sections, at least the outer section being reconfigurable, by applying distal force to a proximal side of the cup, from a convex insertion state for insertion into a mother's birth canal into a concave engagement state for engagement with a baby's head. A boundary between the sections is shaped such that the inner section may be concave while the outer section is convex, to create an inner suction cup.

Abstract: An apparatus used for treating shoulder dystocia is provided. The apparatus is a Scapuloblade device with a handle, and a blade section including a first curved side and a flat second side opposite the first side. The curved first side is configured to fit the curvature of a mother's birth canal. The flat side may be bare, may include a friction padding, or may include diaphragm that applies a suction force. The device may be used to rotate the shoulders by applying torque on the scapula region of a baby's anterior shoulder with the flat side of the blade. The elongated handle, which may be an integral continuation of the blade, may facilitate the user to apply a rotational force to dislodge the impacted anterior shoulder so that the shoulders will be aligned with the widest diameter of the inlet of the birth canal of the mother for delivery.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor cup 2 for vacuum extractor delivery is provided which includes a cup portion 11 formed with a foldable and flexible material such as a sheet made of, for example, a vinyl material and in a cup-like shape with a sucking hole 13 on its bottom side and an extracting hole 14 on its opening side and includes a porous elastic member 12 formed with sponge. An extracting ring portion 16 has elastic force being larger than elastic force of a surrounding wall 15 in the cup portion 11. A convex/concave portion 17 is formed in an inner surface of the surrounding wall 15 in the cup portion 11 and the convex/concave portion 17 serves as a slipping-stop device between the cup portion 11 and porous elastic member 12.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, an electro-vacuum pump can be used either as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum or to maintain, assist or as a back up for a hand operated pump in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump is controlled by a processor and is automatically activated when the vacuum is below a pre-selected parameter or a parameter selected on the fly by the surgeon. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the surgeon increased control of the vacuum device while carrying out the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A delivery extractor for use with a suction source and at least one monitor in vacuum assisted deliveries. The extractor comprises a cup-shaped element and a tubular stem joined to the cup-shaped element and in pneumatic communication with the suction source. The extractor also includes at least one noninvasive sensor positioned on a sensor support so as to continuously contact the scalp of a fetus when the head of the fetus is positioned in the cup-shaped element. The sensor support is depressible within the cup-shaped element. The at least one sensor is in communication with the monitor(s) which monitors at least one physiological indicator of the well-being of the fetus during its transit through the birth canal. In other cases, the aforementioned noninvasive sensor(s) detects direct waves while other noninvasive sensors positioned on the rim of the cup-shaped element detect surface waves related to the same phenomenon.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for obstetrical use comprises a vacuum cup at one end of an elongated stem having a handle at the opposite end. The vacuum cup is sealed over a portion of the head of the fetus and a vacuum source, usually operating through the stem, connects to the inner side of the cup and secures it to the fetal head. A strain sensor is connected to the stem. When the force applied to the cup through the handle and stem exceeds a predetermined maximum, a valve connecting the vacuum pressure to the atmosphere is opened so as to release the vacuum pressure from the cup. Another extractor comprises an elongated hollow stem having one or more apertures along its length, a vacuum source connected to a cup supported on the stem, and a handle member which includes a traction limiting element operative to open and close the apertures.

Abstract: A device for accessing a hollow organ comprises an elongated body sized for insertion into an entrance passage to the hollow organ, the elongated body including an outer sealing surface engaging an inner surface of the entrance passage and a working channel extending therethrough from a proximal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position is proximal to a proximal opening of the entrance passage, to a distal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, extends distally past a distal opening of the entrance passage into the hollow organ and a plurality of suction holes formed through an outer wall of the elongated body, disposed around a circumference of a portion of the elongated body which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, is located within the entrance passage in combination with a vacuum channel formed in the elongated body for transferring a negative pressure to the suction holes to increase a sealing force applied by tissue of the entrance pa

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: A vacuum extractor for obstetrical use comprises a vacuum cup at one end of an elongated stem having a handle at the opposite end. The vacuum cup is sealed over a portion of the head of the fetus and a vacuum source, usually operating through the stem, connects to the inner side of the cup and secures it to the fetal head. A strain sensor is connected to the stem. When the force applied to the cup through the handle and stem exceeds a predetermined maximum, a valve connecting the vacuum pressure to the atmosphere is opened so as to release the vacuum pressure from the cup. Another extractor comprises an elongated stem and a traction limiter having one or more apertures, a vacuum source connected to a cup supported on the stem, and a handle member in arrangement with the traction limiter operative to open and close the apertures.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor cup 2 for vacuum extractor delivery is provided which includes a cup portion 11 formed with a foldable and flexible material such as a sheet made of, for example, a vinyl material and in a cup-like shape with a sucking hole 13 on its bottom side and an extracting hole 14 on its opening side and includes a porous elastic member 12 formed with sponge. An extracting ring portion 16 has elastic force being larger than elastic force of a surrounding wall 15 in the cup portion 11. A convex/concave portion 17 is formed in an inner surface of the surrounding wall 15 in the cup portion 11 and the convex/concave portion 17 serves as a slipping-stop device between the cup portion 11 and porous elastic member 12.

Abstract: In various cases, an obstetrical device is provided for assisting a cesarean section delivery of a neonate having a fetal presenting part well seated within the mother's pelvis. Generally, the device comprises a tubular tail having an internal lumen and a hollow head extending from a distal end of the tail and having an internal chamber fluidly connected to the lumen. The head includes at least one aperture extending through an exterior wall. The device is operable to position the head near or in contact with the fetal presenting part to provide air into an area near and/or between contact surfaces of the fetal presenting part and a vagina and/or a cervix of the mother. Providing the air will reduce or release a suction formed between the contact surfaces such that the well seated fetal presenting part can be easily separated from the vagina and/or the cervix.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for obstetrical use comprises a vacuum cup at one end of an elongated stem having a handle at the opposite end. The vacuum cup is sealed over a portion of the head of the fetus and a vacuum source, usually operating through the stem, connects to the inner side of the cup and secures it to the fetal head. A strain sensor is connected to the stem. When the force applied to the cup through the handle and stem exceeds a predetermined maximum, a valve connecting the vacuum pressure to the atmosphere is opened so as to release the vacuum pressure from the cup. Another extractor comprises an elongated hollow stem having one or more apertures along its length, a vacuum source connected to a cup supported on the stem, and a handle member which includes a traction limiting element operative to open and close the apertures.

Abstract: A device to extract elements contained in a cavity, additional to patent of invention P060105329, and of preferable application to assistance at childbirth and/or extraction of elements seated in cavities of the human body, facilitating the task of medical professionals. Said device is comprised of a bag having one of its ends open, through which it is possible to introduce the element to be extracted, in which, in a first embodiment and on the outer surface of the bag and along all its circumference line, there is at least one air chamber being able to get in contact with the element to be extracted when receiving inner pressure, being said chamber connected to a pressure generating means; and in a second embodiment, an outward fold is defined on said bag, forming an annular cavity at the time it gets in contact with the cavity containing the element to be extracted.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, an electro-vacuum pump can be used either as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum or to maintain, assist or as a back up for a hand operated pump in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump is controlled by a processor and is automatically activated when the vacuum is below a pre-selected parameter or a parameter selected on the fly by the surgeon. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the surgeon increased control of the vacuum device while carrying out the surgical procedure.

Abstract: During deliver of a baby unexpected shoulder dystocia will be encountered. Shoulder dystocia will cause temporarily or permanent paralysis of upper Extremity or Erb's syndrome. Nowadays vacuum cup extractor is available for obstetricians to deal with mild head dystocia and nothing is available for obstetricians to deal with shoulder dystocia. Newborn baby shoulder cup extractor can assist obstetrician to deliver baby's shoulder when shoulder dystocia is encountered. Newborn baby shoulder cup extractor can prevent the injury to brachial plexus to cause paralysis of upper extremity and unnecessary Cesarean section. After failure of two attempts to deliver baby's shoulder then obstetrician can perform Cesarean section to deliver baby abdominally.

Abstract: A delivery extractor for use with a vacuum suction source and at least one monitor in vacuum assisted deliveries. The extractor comprises a cup-shaped element and a tubular stem joined to the cup-shaped element and in pneumatic communication with the vacuum suction source. The extractor also includes at least one non-invasive sensor positioned on and in mechanical communication with a sensor support so as to continuously contact the scalp of a fetus when the head of the fetus is positioned in the cup-shaped element. The sensor support is compressible within the cup-shaped element. The at least one sensor is in communication with the at least one monitor which monitors at least one physiological indicator of the well-being of the fetus during its transit through the birth canal. The invention also includes a system and method for using the above extractor.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for obstetrical use comprises a vacuum cup at one end of an elongated stem having a handle at the opposite end. The vacuum cup is sealed over a portion of the head of the fetus and a vacuum source, usually operating through the stem, connects to the inner side of the cup and secures it to the fetal head. A strain sensor is connected to the stem. When the force applied to the cup through the handle and stem exceeds a predetermined maximum, a valve connecting the vacuum pressure to the atmosphere is opened so as to release the vacuum pressure from the cup.

Abstract: An obstetric delivery device for Caesarian section is a suction cup for a vacuum extractor and comprises a cup member (1) and a neck portion (2), wherein the suction member has a suction opening (10) intended to be applied to a baby's head prior to delivery and an evacuation opening (11) being connected with an evacuation channel (20) extending through the neck portion (2), wherein the neck portion (2) comprises a handle (3) in the shape of a circumferential flange. This device does not affect the size or position of the skin or uterine incisions. It allows a gentle delivery of the fetal head without the need of forceps. It is flexible and atraumatic, with no damage to the mother or the baby. Furthermore it is small and light and easier than forceps to maneuver into position at Caesarian sections. The technique can be easily mastered and is intuitive. Last but not least it allows a fetal head delivery without delay.

Abstract: An obstetrical vacuum extractor has a bell-shaped cup with an open edge in communication with a hollow stem. A plurality of apertures in the cup prevent a vacuum from being drawn within the cup when the open end is brought into contact with a fetal scalp, in the absence of a sheet liner adapted to fit within the interior of the cup, engage its open edge, and having a central hole adapted to communicate with the hollow stem so that a vacuum may be drawn within the liner. The liner surface preferably includes a foil layer and covers the apertures so that the vacuum may be drawn.

Abstract: A head for an obstetric vacuum extractor has a convex distal part reconfigurable into a concave suction cup. For example, the head may comprise single-walled distal and proximal parts, wherein the distal part can be deformed to create a double-walled suction cup in cooperation with the proximal part. Thus the head may be inserted into the mother's vagina, the head having a convex distal part upon insertion, whereupon the convex distal part is reconfigured into a concave suction cup for engagement with the baby's head, suction is applied to the cup to attach the cup to the baby's head, and force is applied to the baby's head via the cup to aid delivery.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor apparatus for assisting in childbirth includes a cup and a stem for connection to a vacuum source, that pulls a vacuum through the apparatus. There is a joint between the cup and the stem, the joint being such that bending of the stem, or bending of the cup in relation to the stem, does not occlude the vacuum channel or pathway, and allows the vacuum to be maintained, or controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an obstetric vacuum extractor comprising a suction cup of a hard material, which suction cup is provided connection for a tube and a connector piece. The vacuum extractor further comprises a towing means of a flexible material as well as a locking means. The towing means comprises a handle, a connecting part and a connector. The invention is characterized in that said connector piece is an integrated part of the suction cup. Said connector is arranged to be brought to attachment in said connector piece, said connector piece and connector being movably fixable to each other.

Abstract: The invention aids a person who is assisting with fetal extraction by monitoring and recording the pressure inside a vacuum device, and then passing this information wirelessly to a recording and/or displaying device.

Abstract: The present invention aids a person who is assisting with fetal extraction by monitoring and recording the pressure inside a vacuum device. In one embodiment, the invention is a pump-attachable device for monitoring and recording a pressure in a vacuum device that includes an adapter enabled to attach to a pressure gauge receiver of an electric pump, and a cable coupled to the pressure transducer which in enabled to attach to a monitor for recording a detected pressure. In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method of using a recording device for recording a pressure in a vacuum device. The invention includes coupling a monitor to the vacuum device, calibrating the monitor, and recording the pressure to produce a record.

Abstract: The present invention aids a person who is assisting with fetal extraction by monitoring and recording the pressure inside a vacuum device. The device includes a cable that is attachable to a monitor enabled to record a detected pressure, and a pressure detection device coupled to the cable. The pressure detection device is coupled to tubing such that the pressure detection device detects the pressure in the tubing. In yet another embodiment, the invention is a pump-attachable device for monitoring and recording a pressure in a vacuum device. In another embodiment, the invention is embodied as a method that includes the acts of attaching a suction device to a fetus, detecting the vacuum pressure, and recording the vacuum pressure.

Abstract: The obstetrical vacuum extractor comprising 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 an obstetric vacuum extractor comprising a suction cup of a hard material, which suction cup is provided connection for a tube and a connector piece. The vacuum extractor further comprises a towing means of a flexible material as well as a locking means. The towing means comprises a handle, a connecting part and a connector. The invention is characterized in that said connector piece is an integrated part of the suction cup. Said connector is arranged to be brought to attachment in said connector piece, said connector piece and connector being movably fixable to each other.

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 invention provides technical advantages as a system, device and method that enables a fetal extraction monitor that is used to monitor fetal heart rates to also monitor a vacuum pressure in a vacuum device.

Abstract: The present invention aids a person who is assisting with fetal extraction by monitoring and recording the pressure inside a vacuum device. The invention includes a suction device that is enabled for vacuum attachment to a fetus, a pump that is capable of producing a vacuum pressure, and tubing that fluidly couples the suction device to the pump. In another embodiment, the invention is embodied as a method that includes the acts of attaching a suction device to a fetus, detecting the vacuum pressure, and recording the vacuum pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum mouthpiece (2) for the acquisition and retention of resected biological specimens for retrieval from a body cavity, the mouthpiece being attached to a first tubular member (4) connectable to a vacuum source and having an active surface including at least one opening communicating with the first tubular member; the mouthpiece (2) being made of an elastically resilient material and having, in a free state, an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of a second tubular member (24) into which it is insertible by elastic deformation. The invention further provides a closable pouch (20) for the entrapment and retrieval of a resected biological specimen from a body cavity, and a laparoscopic system and method utilizing the above.

Abstract: A method of stimulating bone regeneration in a local area of a bone in a subject requiring same, comprising the step of applying to said local area of said bone an effective vacuum for an effective length of time.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted fetal extraction apparatus and a monitoring device for use in conjunction therewith. The monitoring device includes a circuit including a timer operably coupled with a switch, which may comprise a differential pressure sensor. The switch is configured to be actuated by the formation of a vacuum to secure the fetal extractor to a fetus. At least partial release of the vacuum releases the switch to stop or pause the timer. The timer may be configured to be reset such that it only records or displays the duration of a specific application of the vacuum device, or it may be configured to record or display a cumulative duration based upon multiple applications of the vacuum device in an absolute sense or during a defined time period. Magnitude as well as the cumulative number of applications of an applied vacuum may also be measured and, optionally, displayed, as may the number of times traction force is applied to an infant during delivery.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted fetal extraction apparatus and a monitoring device for use in conjunction therewith. The monitoring device includes a circuit including a timer operably coupled with a switch, which may comprise a differential pressure sensor. The switch is configured to be actuated by the formation of a vacuum to secure the fetal extractor to a fetus. At least partial release of the vacuum releases the switch to stop or pause the timer. The timer may be configured to be reset such that it only records or displays the duration of a specific application of the vacuum device, or it may be configured to record or display a cumulative duration based upon multiple applications of the vacuum device in an absolute sense or during a defined time period. Magnitude as well as the cumulative number of applications of an applied vacuum may also be measured and, optionally, displayed, as may the number of times traction force is applied to an infant during delivery.

Abstract: The present invention aids a person who is assisting with fetal extraction by monitoring and recording the pressure inside a vacuum device. The invention includes a suction device that is enabled for vacuum attachment to a fetus, a pump that is capable of producing a vacuum pressure, and tubing that fluidly couples the suction device to the pump. In another embodiment, the invention is embodied as a method that includes the acts of attaching a suction device to a fetus, detecting the vacuum pressure, and recording the vacuum pressure.

Abstract: The present invention aids a person who is assisting with fetal extraction by monitoring and recording the pressure inside a vacuum device. The device includes a cable that is attachable to a monitor enabled to record a detected pressure, and a pressure detection device coupled to the cable. The pressure detection device is coupled to tubing such that the pressure detection device detects the pressure in the tubing. In yet another embodiment, the invention is a pump-attachable device for monitoring and recording a pressure in a vacuum device. In another embodiment, the invention is embodied as a method that includes the acts of attaching a suction device to a fetus, detecting the vacuum pressure, and recording the vacuum pressure.

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.