Graphic Controls Corporation

George R Allen

Kenard E Urion

David M DiSabito

James R Hubbard

Goran E Enhorning

Richard A Clement

Joseph C Naphy

Brian T O'Mara

Glenn A Thomas

Clete A Eichelberger

An integrated introducer and drive rod system used to position and attach a spiral-shaped, biological needle probe to a fetus during labor and delivery. The system ensures that the sharp, pointed, probe (typically, a fetal spiral electrode) remains protected in a retracted position inside the introducer until attachment to the fetal scalp is desired. The flexible drive rod of the system has a 'C'-shaped safety ring with an outside diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the introducer at a point on the introducer; a 'C'-shaped radial web with an outside diameter only slightly larger than the inner diameter of the introducer creating an interference fit between the drive rod and the introducer; or a 'C'-shaped segmented rib that engages the rear end of the introducer. The introducer has an inner diameter sized to create an interference fit with the drive rod; a forward interior wall with an inside diameter slightly less than the outside diameter of the safety ring; a ramp on the front end of the introducer; a longitudinal slot disposed along its entire length; or a combination of one or more of these structures. In combination, the structures of the drive rod and introducer resist but (upon exertion of a predetermined force on the handle of the drive rod) allow translation of the drive rod within the introducer.

Integrated introducer and drive rod positioning system for a fetal

A transducer-tipped intrauterine pressure catheter system for measuring, and delivering to an external monitor a signal representative of, the pressure in the uterus of a woman in labor. The system has a disposable catheter with an affixed asymmetric tip. A disposable, slotted, C-shaped introducer engages and positions the catheter. A reusable monitor cable has a second connector (which engages a first connector on the end of the catheter) on one end and a monitor connector (which engages the monitor) on its opposite end; the monitor cable transmits electrical signals from the first connector to the monitor. A test member is proximate the monitor connector on the monitor cable. The test member includes test circuitry assuring that the monitor cable, the second connector, and the monitor connector are operational. The test member also includes circuitry to 'zero' the system. The system may also have a disposable luer fitting engaging the amnio lumen of the catheter and providing direct communication, through the amnio lumen, into the uterus. The luer fitting allows fluid samples to be withdrawn from, and fluids to be infused into, the uterus. An anti-bacterial coating may be bonded to the catheter, the tip affixed to the catheter, and the introducer.

Transducer-tipped intrauterine pressure catheter system

An intrauterine pressure catheter system for monitoring pressure in the uterus of a mother during labor and delivery. The system includes a reusable junction box with a needle communicating directly to a pressure transducer sensor. The sensor transmits changes in pressure to a conventional pressure monitor. A connector attached to the catheter is pushed into the junction box and is held in place by a plastic latch. Inside this connector are an elastomeric plug and an adjacent diaphragm. When the connector is installed in the junction box, the needle pierces the plug and the tip enters the air-filled volume between the plug and the diaphragm. Fluid pressure in the catheter is communicated to the diaphragm surface and, in turn, passed to the air in the volume between the diaphragm and the plug. Thus, the intrauterine pressure is transmitted directly to the sensor. The system may be zeroed to atmosphere by simply removing the connector from the junction box.

Intrauterine pressure catheter system

A non-invasive, disposable, self-adjusting tocodynamometer (10) for monitoring uterine contractions of a patient during pregnancy, labor, and delivery The tocodynamometer includes a pressure-sensitive, fluid. filled bellows (20) responsive to changes in the hardness of the uterus during contractions The bellows has one face which projects into the patient's soft tissue in the abdomen and adjacent the uterus, rending the tocodynamometer sensitive even for obese patients. A plate (22) supports the bellows and provides structure for attaching the tocodynamometer to the patient. A wall (30) formed on the plate receives the bellows as it is compressed during use. A conduit (14) connects the bellows to a pressure transducer (12) which, in turn, is connected to a monitor (16). The bellows, conduit, and pressure transducer form a closed system containing the working fluid.

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Grand Island, NY, United States of America

George R Allen