Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A fetal electrode product for transmitting signals indicative of fetal heart rate from a fetus to a monitor. The product includes a slotted introducer which can be comfortably inserted through the cervix of the mother. A drive mechanism slides and rotates a holder--to which are attached, at opposite ends, a fetal spiral electrode (FSE) and a reference electrode--within the introducer to secure the FSE to the fetus. The solid drive mechanism has a drive rod, a handle on one end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the drive rod, and a clutch on the opposite end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the holder. The drive rod, handle, and clutch each have a channel transporting a twisted wire strand from the electrodes to a connector. The connector has an outside dimension greater than the inner diameter of the introducer to facilitate manipulation. The introducer cannot be pulled over the connector after the FSE is attached to the fetus; the wire strand exits the drive mechanism via its channel and the introducer through its longitudinal slot. A locking slit in the handle securely wedges the twisted wire strand in a fixed position before application of the FSE. A chamfer located at the intersection of the slot with the rearward end of the introducer also positions and helps wedge the twisted wire strand in a fixed position.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim