Abstract An electrode or lead unit for monitoring fetal heartbeat is disclosed which includes, in the illustrated embodiment, three electrical leads having jack connector ends to be plugged into female terminal sockets of an electrocardiogram-type recording device or audio visual or other sensing device. One of these is a ground lead electrically connected directly to an elongated, sleevelike plastic grounding sheath which internally receives the other two positive and negative electrode leads. One of the latter terminates externally of an inner end of a terminal shield of the sheath, being formed as a small pointed and barbed, relatively rigid and nonbendable penetrating electrode element, a single element similar to a fishhook, which is lightly embedded in the scalp or another skin area of the fetus during the monitoring period. The other of the positive and negative electrodes is in encircling relation to a shank part of the penetrating element. The relationship of components is such that the sheath unit make continuous grounding contact with the vaginal mucosa, so as to afford a clear tracing on the recording device throughout the period of use.
An electrode unit for fetal monitoring or like application, comprising an electrically conductive electrode lead having means at one end thereof to transmit a signal to a recording or related means, said lead being provided at its opposite end with a reversely reentrant, sharpened and barbed formation to embed in a skin area of a fetus, a second electrode lead generally paralleling said first lead and also provided with means at an end thereof to transmit a signal to said recording means, and a sheath encircling said leads and exposing said opposite end of said first-named lead.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An electrode unit for fetal monitoring or like application, comprising an electrically conductive electrode lead having means at one end thereof to transmit a signal to a recording or related means, said lead being provided at its opposite end with a reversely reentrant, sharpened and barbed formation to embed in a skin area of a fetus, a second electrode lead generally paralleling said first lead and also provided with means at an end thereof to transmit a signal to said recording means, and a sheath encircling said leads and exposing said opposite end of said first-named lead.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The unit of claim 1, in which the opposite end of said second lead encircles a shank portion of the reentrant formation of the first lead.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The unit of claim 1, in which the opposite end of said second lead encircles a shank portion of the reentrant formation of the first lead, said sheath being electrically conductive in nature and having means electrically connecting the same as a ground component of said unit in relation to said recording means.