Fetal electrode apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for use in monitoring fetal vital signs with monitoring equipment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a form sustaining guide tube, a sleeve, a fetal electrode structure having a piston member and a body member, at least two active fetal electrodes and a lead wire for connecting the active fetal electrodes to monitoring equipment. At least a portion of the guide tube and the body member are slideably disposed within the sleeve. The active fetal electrodes are attached to this piston member and their free ends are disposed within channels defined by the body member. The channels project arcuately outwardly by a predetermined radius of curvature so as to define a continuous outwardly advancing open passage through the body member. The body member also includes a shoulder to preclude movement of the body member within the sleeve by more than a predetermined distance. The apparatus is inserted through passages of a woman in labor brought into contact with the fetal scalp. By exerting pressure, the guide tube advances in the sleeve and releasably contacts the piston member which in turn advances the active fetal electrodes through and out of the channels with an outward curvature and into the fetal scalp.