Abstract: A device for performing fetotomy on a dead fetus or repositioning of a live fetus has a primary attachment in the form of a looped brace that is provided around a fetal limb within the birth canal of the mother animal and engages the armpit or groin of the fetus. An extension bar connects the brace to a tensioning device. A secondary attachment such as a cable or chain is attached at the foot of the fetal limb and connected to the tensioning device. The tensioning device is operated to provide tension between the brace and the secondary attachment, thereby placing the fetal limb in traction. Sufficient traction causes removal of the entire limb without exposing sharp bone edges. Variations of the device may be used for a fetal repositioning procedure.

Abstract: A pair of obstetric forceps is described. The forceps comprise a pair of blades for holding the head of a baby and a handle having at least one part by which a user can apply a pulling force on the head of the baby in use. A mechanically operated force indicator is connected to the at least one part of the handle and is operable to provide a visual indication of the amount of pulling force being applied to the head of the baby when a user applies a pulling force on the head of the baby in use. A mechanically operated disabling device is operable to at least partially disable the obstetric forceps when a maximum pulling force has been exceeded. The blades can each have a superior rim and inferior rim wherein the greatest separation between the superior rims is greater than the greatest separation between the inferior rims when the obstetric forceps are in a closed configuration so that the blades adopt the form of an at least partially bowl shape.

Abstract: The present invention consists of devices and methods that may be used to facilitate childbirth in the event of shoulder dystocia. More specifically, the invention makes use of leverage to push the obstructed fetal shoulder below the pubic symphysis of the mother. Once shoulder dystocia is diagnosed, a person, usually a medical professional, would insert one of the described devices into the mother and against the obstructed shoulder of the child. The device would only be inserted as far as the guard member will allow. Using the described method, the medical professional would apply leverage to the device so as to separate the obstructed shoulder and the pubic symphysis, thus allowing the fetus to pass through the birth canal.

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 device for performing fetotomy on a dead fetus or repositioning of a live fetus has a primary attachment in the form of a looped brace that is provided around a fetal limb within the birth canal of the mother animal and engages the armpit or groin of the fetus. An extension bar connects the brace to a tensioning device. A secondary attachment such as a cable or chain is attached at the foot of the fetal limb and connected to the tensioning device. The tensioning device is operated to provide tension between the brace and the secondary attachment, thereby placing the fetal limb in traction. Sufficient traction causes removal of the entire limb without exposing sharp bone edges. Variations of the device may be used for a fetal repositioning procedure.

Abstract: An obstetrical vacuum extractor comprising a vacuum cup to which a disk assembly and attached traction cord are rotatably coupled. The cup has a protrusion extending from its base, and the disk assembly a bore for receiving the protrusion. The protrusion is then preferably ultrasonically welded to create a button to rotatably retain the disk assembly on the cup.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for use in childbirth which enables the baby's head to be easily maneuvered during delivery. The extractor comprises an open cup with an elongated stem having an opening through which a vacuum may be provided within the cup, and a pair of elongated arms coupled to the cup along substantially opposite sides of the cup. The arms are coupled to the cup by living hinges which allow at least one of the arms to be positioned against the rear, closed portion of the cup such that the extractor presents a relatively low profile for facilitating insertion of the extractor during childbirth. Once in position on the baby's head within the womb, the handles provided at the opposite ends of the arms may be used to maneuver the baby's head during delivery.

Abstract: Movable device for facilitating the dropping of young has a rope-like element which can be fastened to the young and upon which a tractive force may be exerted, and a collection element for collecting the young. The collection element is carried by a frame that extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a distal end and a proximal end. A wheel that serves as a windlass traction device for tensioning the rope and as a wheel for the barrow is rotatably attached to the frame distal end and aligned with the longitudinal axis. A lifting element is attached to the frame proximal end such that the collection element, the frame, the lifting element and the wheel form a wheelbarrow arrangement that is readily tiltable. Tilting guides facilitate tilting of the barrow.

Abstract: An electrode catheter for intravenous insertion into a cavity of the heart comprises a tubular sheath accommodating a first spiral wound wire of conductive biocompatible material, which affords an insulated operative portion exposed from the sheath and capped distally by a domed ring, and a mapping electrode of conductive biocompatible material for sensing the electrical activity in the cardiac muscle, which is carried coaxially by the first spiral wound wire and capable of movement along the operative portion transmitted by means of a second spiral wound wire extending coaxially through the first and connected to an external control handset. The operative portion of the first wire is arched by means of a tension wire designed to establish a restraint between the domed ring and the distal end of the sheath, of which the length can be increased or reduced to alter the loop of the arched profile as expedient for the shape of the cavity explored.