Fetal probe apparatus

Abstract

Abstract Disclosed is a fetal probe (10) that is insertable through the mother's vagina and cervix and connectable to a pulse oximeter (19) for monitoring the EKG and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin of a fetus during labor and delivery. The probe (10) incorporates at least one spiral electrode (22) and optical fiber (17) or fibers and/or solid state light sources for monitoring oxygen saturation. Light emitting diodes (25, 27), or an optical fiber or fiber pair, transmit light of two different wavelengths through the fetal skin to perfused fetal tissue while either the EKG needle (22) or another needle extends into fetal tissue and contains a light collecting optical fiber (17) having a distal light collecting surface adjacent the relative needle distal end for collecting transmitted light that has passed through perfused fetal tissue that is interior of the fetal skin.

Inventors

• 👤 Samuel K. Yue
• 👤 James P. Morrison

Bibliographic Details