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WO2018022168A1 - Méthode et appareil de lecture de la dilatation du col de l'utérus pendant le travail et l'accouchement. - Google Patents

Méthode et appareil de lecture de la dilatation du col de l'utérus pendant le travail et l'accouchement. Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018022168A1
WO2018022168A1 PCT/US2017/031408 US2017031408W WO2018022168A1 WO 2018022168 A1 WO2018022168 A1 WO 2018022168A1 US 2017031408 W US2017031408 W US 2017031408W WO 2018022168 A1 WO2018022168 A1 WO 2018022168A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
measuring device
attachment
cervical
finger
fingers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2017/031408
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English (en)
Inventor
Eva Lea MARTIN
Brandon MARTIN
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/090,537 external-priority patent/US20160270714A1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2018022168A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018022168A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B42/00—Surgical gloves; Finger-stalls specially adapted for surgery; Devices for handling or treatment thereof
    • A61B42/10—Surgical gloves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/43—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems
    • A61B5/4306—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems for evaluating the female reproductive systems, e.g. gynaecological evaluations
    • A61B5/4343—Pregnancy and labour monitoring, e.g. for labour onset detection
    • A61B5/435—Assessing cervix alteration or dilation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6825—Hand
    • A61B5/6826—Finger

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally related to practitioners working in labor and delivery of an infant, and more particularly, the present invention discloses methods and apparatus for consistent and accurate cervical dilation readings during labor and pregnancy.
  • An incorrect cervical dilation measurement may also increase the risk of the practitioner augmenting labor, which can pose risks to both the mother and the baby. Augmenting labor increases the risk of several complications, including:
  • Tools have been developed or examined to assist the practitioner in determining cervical dilation.
  • Examples of such tools include a translabial 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasonogram, mechanical calipers, electrical displacement transducers clipped to opposite sides of the cervical rim, and a caliper-like cervimeter with leaf spring arms that coil against the outer rim of the cervix for measurement.
  • the present invention generally provides improved devices, systems, and methods to accurately and precisely determine cervical dilation measurements during labor by standardization of measurements within and between practitioners. It allows for increased accuracy across all levels of training and experience and fills an important gap in practitioners' ability to accurately and precisely determine cervical dilation measurements during labor.
  • the present invention does not introduce any discomfort or risk beyond that of a routine digital vaginal examination and it fits into work flow on the labor floor without introduction of new machines or complicated technology that require advanced training.
  • a cervical dilation reading apparatus comprising a measuring device having a length with a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, a first attachment band configured to couple with a first finger, the first attachment band having a fixed attachment fixedly engaged with the first portion of the measuring device, and a second attachment band configured to couple with a second finger, the second attachment band having a slidable attachment slidably engaged with the measuring device along the length between the first and second portions.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide a method for measuring cervical dilation providing a cervical dilation reading apparatus having a measuring device having a length with a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, a first attachment band configured to couple with a first finger, the first attachment band having a fixed attachment fixedly engaged with the first portion of the measuring device; and a second attachment band configured to couple with a second finger, the second attachment band having a slidable attachment slidably engaged with the measuring device along the length between the first and second portions. Coupling the first attachment band to a first finger and the second attachment band to a second finger and inserting the first and second fingers into the vaginal introitus.
  • Locating the cervix and cervical os placing the first finger on a first side of the cervical os and extending the second finger away from the first finger to a second side, opposite the first side, of the cervical os, wherein extending the second finger away from the first finger also extends the length of the measuring device between the first and second fingers to a substantially extended state. Removing the first and second fingers and determining a diameter of the cervical os by the length of the measuring device in the substantially extended state between the fixed attachment and slidable attachment.
  • the first and second attachment bands are coupled to the first and second fingers by a force.
  • the first and second attachment bands are made of an elastic material and configured to stretch and slide over the tip or end of the first and second fingers.
  • the first and second attachment bands are open and wrap around the first and second fingers, and are then joined and secured to the fingers.
  • the first and second attachment bands are clips, tensile arcs, "finger cots", partial gloves, glove fingers, or other configurations that can be attached to a finger.
  • the first and second attachment bands are configured to couple to the first and second fingers of a glove.
  • the slidable attachment includes a locking mechanism configured to fix or lock a length of the measuring device in a substantially extended state when the slidable attachment is slid or moved away from the fixed attachment.
  • the substantially fixed or locked length of the measuring device may be a cervical dilation measurement.
  • the measuring device includes thin projections or collapsible arrows along the length configured to lay down or collapse as they go through the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment in a first direction when the slidable attachment is slid or moved away from the fixed attachment and then expand after going through the locking mechanism, preventing the measuring device from moving backward in a second direction, thereby locking the measuring device in the substantially extended state.
  • the measuring device includes ridges along the length configured to "pop through" an opening of the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment in a first direction when the slidable attachment is slid or moved away from the fixed attachment, the ridges being larger than the opening, such that after going through the locking mechanism, the ridges prevent the measuring device from moving backward in a second direction, thereby locking the measuring device in the substantially extended state.
  • the measuring device is configured to engage a ratcheting mechanism for locking the measuring device to the slidable attachment forming the locking mechanism, such that after going through the locking mechanism, the ratcheting mechanism prevents the measuring device from moving backward in a second direction, thereby locking the measuring device in the substantially extended state.
  • the measuring device includes material that, due to friction or pressure, resists movement through the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment, such that after going through the locking mechanism, friction or pressure between the measuring device and locking mechanism of the slidable attachment prevents the measuring device from moving, thereby locking the measuring device in the extended state.
  • the locking mechanism may allow bidirectional movement of the measuring device when the user applies forces in either direction while obtaining the cervical dilation measurement.
  • the locking mechanism may employ any number of forces to achieve this functionality, such as pressure, friction, elastic forces, adhesives, or mechanical forces.
  • the locking mechanism holds the measuring device in place relative to the slidable attachment when the user is not applying force to the device and prevents any sliding after the dilation measurement is obtained. This locking mechanism allows the practitioner to extend the fingers beyond the diameter of the cervix, but later pull on the third portion of the measuring device to shorten the length of the measuring device between the two fingers to equal the cervical dilation.
  • the locking mechanism allows the device to be withdrawn without the measuring device moving relative to the slidable attachment, such that the length of the measuring device between the fixed attachment and the slidable attachment is equivalent to the cervical dilation.
  • the locking mechanism thus applies sufficient force to the measuring device that the measuring device does not move or slide relative to the slidable attachment unless a substantial amount of force is exerted on the device.
  • the measuring device includes measurement markings along its length to measure a cervical dilation measurement.
  • the measurement markings may be in centimeters.
  • the distance between every other centimeter is colored.
  • each centimeter is marked with a thick line.
  • the distance between every other centimeter has radiant color changes, so 0-1 cm is a first color, 1-2 cm is a second color, 2-3 is a third color, 3-4 is a fourth color, and so on with different colors.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the cervix, uterine body and fallopian tubes, according to the embodiments provided herein.
  • FIGs. 2A-2E show views looking "head-on” at the cervical face (A-A in FIG. 1), according to the embodiments provided herein.
  • FIG. 3A is an overall view and FIG. 3B is a close-up view showing one embodiment of a cervical dilation reading apparatus incorporating a measuring device as part of a glove to provide accurate and reproducible readings of cervical dilation, according to the embodiments provided herein.
  • FIG. 3C shows one embodiment of a locking mechanism having thin projections, collapsible arrows, or barbs that compress or collapse as they go through the locking mechanism of a slidable attachment.
  • FIG. 3D shows another embodiment of a measuring device having ridges that "pop through” the locking mechanism of a slidable attachment.
  • FIG. 3E shows another embodiment of a measuring device that uses a cable tie or tie-wrap with a ratcheting mechanism for locking the measuring device on a slidable attachment.
  • FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of a measuring device that has color markings for the practitioner to read for dilation measurement during labor.
  • FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of a measuring device that has thick line markings for the practitioner to read for dilation measurement during labor.
  • FIG. 4C shows another embodiment of a measuring device that has radiant color change markings for the practitioner to read for dilation measurement during labor.
  • FIG. 5A is an overall view showing another embodiment of a cervical dilation reading apparatus incorporating a measuring device to provide accurate and reproducible readings of cervical dilation, according to the embodiments provided herein.
  • FIG. 5B shows one embodiment of a locking mechanism using friction or pressure that allows bidrectional movement and holds the measuring device in the extended state after the cervical dilation measurement is obtained.
  • FIG. 5C shows one embodiment of a locking mechanism having thin projections, collapsible arrows, or barbs that compress or collapse as they go through the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment.
  • FIG. 5D shows another embodiment of a measuring device having ridges that "pop through” the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment.
  • FIG. 5E shows another embodiment of a measuring device that uses a cable tie or tie-wrap with a ratcheting mechanism for locking the measuring device on the slidable attachment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the cervix 10, uterine body 15 and fallopian tubes 20.
  • the cervix 10 (or neck of the uterus) is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall. The portion projecting into the vagina is referred to as the portio vaginalis 25.
  • the cervix's opening is called the os 30.
  • the size and shape of the os and the cervix vary widely with age, hormonal state, and whether the woman has had a vaginal birth. At labor, the cervix dilates or opens to admit the infant's head.
  • FIGs. 2A-2E show views looking "head-on" at the cervical face 35 (A- A in FIG. 1).
  • the cervix appears to have a small circular dimple 30 (os) at its center. This is a closed cervix. It will not admit a finger.
  • FIG. 2A shows an example of a cervix that is not dilated, so the dilation measurement would be 0 centimeters (cm).
  • FIG. 2B shows an example of the first stage of cervical dilation of the cervical os 30a.
  • the cervical os 30b starts opening.
  • the practitioner may be able to insert one finger into the cervical opening, so the dilation measurement might be considered 1 cm for most practitioners.
  • the cervical opening 30c opens more and the practitioner may be able to insert two fingers into the cervical opening, so the dilation measurement might be considered 2 cm.
  • FIG. 2E shows dilation of the cervical opening that has opened between 3 cm 30d (left side) and 9 cm 30e (right side). Between 3 cm and 9 cm, there is no consistent measurement standard that practitioners use. As mentioned previously, measurement tactics are not standardized and there is no testing of accuracy or precision of the measurements.
  • the ideal method and apparatus for use during labor for measuring cervical dilation may include one or more of the following:
  • FIG. 3A is an overall view and FIG. 3B is a close-up view showing one embodiment of a cervical dilation reading apparatus 100 incorporating a measuring mechanism 105 as part of a sterile glove 110 to provide accurate and reproducible readings of cervical dilation.
  • the measuring mechanism 105 includes a measuring device 115 spanning between two adjacent fingers 120a, 120b of the glove. In other embodiments, the measuring device 115 may span more than two fingers, span non-adjacent fingers, or be incorporated into the sterile glove by other means.
  • the measuring device 115 has a first portion 115a attached to a fixed or stable attachment 125 at a tip or end of the first finger, such as finger 120a and a second portion 115b coupled to a slidable attachment 130 at the tip or end of the second finger, such as finger 120b.
  • the measuring device 115 may move or change length as it is being withdrawn after the dilation measurement, so in some embodiments the slidable attachment 130 includes a locking mechanism to fix the length of the measuring device 115 after the dilation measurement.
  • the slidable attachment 130 includes a locking mechanism that is designed to allow the measuring device 115 to slide in only one direction 135 to lengthen the measuring device 115 without any back sliding 140 after dilation measurement, such as shown in FIG. 3B.
  • This one-way action allows any practitioner to utilize the reading apparatus 100 and, once the measuring device 115 is locked in place, obtain the same measurement as any other practitioner would obtain with the same or similar device.
  • the locking mechanism allows the measuring mechanism 105 to be withdrawn without the measuring device 115 moving, thereby getting the most consistent results between practitioners and maximizing patient comfort and practicality.
  • FIGs. 3C-3E show some embodiment examples of a locking mechanism for use with a slidable attachment.
  • Fig. 3C shows one embodiment of a measuring device 115 having thin projections, collapsible arrows, or barbs 145 that compress or collapse as they go through the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment 130 in a first direction 135 when the fingers 120a, 120b are separated.
  • the thin projections or collapsible arrows 145 then expand after going through the locking mechanism, preventing them from moving backward in a second direction 140, thereby locking the measuring device 115 in the substantially extended state after measuring the dilation measurement. This will then lock the measuring device 115 in the correct length for the dilation measurement.
  • FIG. 3D shows another embodiment of a measuring device 115 having ridges 150 that "pop through” the locking mechanism of slidable attachment 130 in a first direction 135 as the fingers 120a, 120b are separated. Once the ridges 150 "pop through” the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment 130, the measuring device 115 cannot move backward in a second direction 140, thereby locking the measuring device 115 in the substantially extended state after measuring the dilation measurement. This will then lock the measuring device 115 in the correct length for the dilation measurement.
  • FIG. 3E shows another embodiment of a measuring device 155 that uses a cable tie or tie-wrap, also known as a hose tie, zap-strap, or zip tie with a ratcheting mechanism 160 for locking the measuring device 155 on the slidable attachment 130.
  • the measuring device 155 slides in a first direction 135 as the fingers 120a, 120b are separated.
  • the measuring device 155 can't move backward in a second direction 140, thereby locking the measuring device 155 in the substantially extended state after measuring the dilation measurement. This will then lock the measuring device 155 in the correct length for the dilation measurement.
  • the measuring device 115 includes material that, due to friction with the slidable attachment 130, resists movement through the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment 130, such that after going through the opening, friction prevents the measuring device 1 15 from moving backward in a second direction, thereby locking the measuring device 1 15 in the substantially extended state.
  • the measuring device 1 15 includes material that, due to pressure from the slidable attachment 130, resists movement through the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment 130, such that after going through the opening, pressure prevents the measuring device 115 from moving backward in a second direction, thereby locking the measuring device 15 in the substantially extended state.
  • the locking mechanism may be configured to allow sliding or movement of the device in a second direction through the slidable attachment when force is applied to the measuring device in a second direction. This allows the practitioner to tighten it back up by pulling on the measuring device.
  • the measuring device 155 of the measuring mechanism 105 is used to measure dilation of the cervical opening as labor progresses and can be made of any pliable material that would be suitable for measurement purposes.
  • the measuring device is a string having markings to measure dilation, preferably in centimeters, but other measurement units may be used. Different measuring mechanisms could be used to make the determination of measuring device 115 length, some examples are described below. If no markings are utilized on the measuring device 115, the length of the measuring device 115 can be compared to a ruler by the practitioner to determine the length after the measurement is complete.
  • FIGs. 4A-4C show some embodiment examples of measuring devices that have markings to measure the dilation measurement during labor. This system makes it fast and easy, with consistent results, for the practitioners to use the measuring device to measure dilation. While the embodiments below will be described with a string, other suitable materials may be used.
  • FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of a string 200 with markings in centimeters 205, where the distance between every other centimeter is colored, so 0-1 cm is a first color 210a, 1-2 cm is a second color 210b, and so on, with the colors repeating. Once the practitioner has withdrawn the reading apparatus 100 from the cervical opening, the practitioner then uses the section and/or color on the string 200 to determine the dilation measurement proximate the slidable attachment 130.
  • FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of a string 220 with markings in centimeters 205, where every centimeter has a thick line 225 that is easy for the practitioner to read (like a ruler). Once the practitioner has withdrawn the reading apparatus 100 from the cervical opening, the practitioner then uses the thick line 225 on the string 220 to determine the dilation measurement proximate the slidable attachment 130.
  • FIG. 4C shows one embodiment of a string 230 with markings in centimeters 205, where the distance between every other centimeter has radiant color changes, so 0-1 cm is a first color 235a, 1-2 cm is a second color 235b, 2-3 is a third color 235c, 3-4 is a fourth color 235d, and so on with different colors.
  • the practitioner may apply sterile lubricant to fingers to be used in the examination, for example, the pointer (or 2nd finger) and middle (or 3rd finger). This is optional and used routinely in obstetric practice to increase patient comfort with digital vaginal examination. Lubricant has no effect on the device or measurement.
  • Practitioner inserts 2 nd and 3 rd fingers into the vaginal introitus.
  • the practitioner finds the cervix and places the 2 nd finger stationary at the patient's right side of the cervical os (or left side if the practitioner is left-handed).
  • the practitioner extends the 3 rd finger to the opposite side of the cervical os, extending the string. Care is taken not to stretch, distort or injure the cervix.
  • the retention mechanism if present, retains the measuring device in close proximity to the rest of the device.
  • the practitioner ensures that the measuring device is taught between the two fingers and then engages the locking mechanism, if one is present, while the measuring device is in the fully extended state equal to the diameter of the cervical opening.
  • the practitioner carefully extends the 2 nd and 3 rd finger without further sliding at the locking mechanism.
  • the practitioner can use the length of the measuring device between the two fingers to determine the diameter of the cervical os.
  • the glove/device is disposed of.
  • FIG. 5A is an overall view and FIG. 5B is a close-up view showing an embodiment of a cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 incorporating a measuring device 315 configured to provide accurate and reproducible readings of cervical dilation.
  • the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 includes a first attachment band 306 that can be attached to a first finger 120a and a second attachment band 307 that can be attached to a second finger 120b.
  • a measuring device 315 is coupled to the first and second attachment bands 306, 307 spanning between the two fingers 120a, 120b.
  • the measuring device 315 includes measurement markings and other features of similar measuring devices described above.
  • the first and second attachment bands 306, 307 may be used without a glove, or paired with a glove 110. In other embodiments, the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 may span more than two fingers, span non-adjacent fingers, or be incorporated into or attached to a sterile glove by other means.
  • the measuring device 315 has a first portion 315a fixedly coupled to the first attachment band 306 by a fixed attachment 325, a second portion 315b slidably coupled to the second attachment band 307 by a slidable attachment 330, and a third portion 315c beyond the slidable attachment 330.
  • the first attachment band 306 may be positioned on the first finger 120a proximate a tip or end, and the second attachment band 307 may be positioned on the second finger 120b proximate a tip or end.
  • the first and second attachment bands 306, 307 are designed to be held in place on the fingers by a force, such as friction, tension, adhesives, pressure, mechanical forces, or other mechanisms that will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
  • the bands may be made of an elastic material, similar to a rubber band, silicone band, or plastic band, so that the attachment bands stretch and slide over the finger tips, but remain in place once the user positions them on the fingers.
  • the bands are made of an inelastic material, an adhesive material, or other materials that will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
  • the first attachment band 306 and second attachment band 307 may open at the end and wrap around the fingers, with the ends joined and secured with tape, Velcro, tie, or other suitable attachment means.
  • the attachment bands 306, 307 may be clips, tensile arcs, "finger cots", partial gloves, glove fingers, or other configurations that can be attached to a finger that will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
  • the measuring device 315 may move or change length as it is being withdrawn from the vagina after the dilation measurement, so some embodiments include a locking mechanism designed to allow the measuring device 315 to slide in direction 135 as the fingers are spread for dilation measurement and lock the measuring device 315.
  • the locking mechanism may allow bidirectional movement when the user applies forces in either direction 135 or 140 while obtaining the cervical dilation measurement.
  • the locking mechanism locks the slidable attachment in place when the user is not applying force to the device and prevents any sliding after dilation measurement is completed, such as shown in FIG. 5B. This locking action allows any practitioner to utilize the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 and, once the measuring device 315 is locked in place, obtain the same measurement as any other practitioner would obtain with the same or similar device.
  • Fig. 5B shows one embodiment of the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 with a measuring device 315 made of a string or other flexible material that has a fixed attachment 325 to the first attachment band 306 and a slidable attachment 330 to the second attachment band 307.
  • the measuring device 315 slides through the second attachment band 307 in a first direction 135 when the fingers 120a, 120b are separated.
  • the user may apply force to the third portion of the measuring device 315c to slide the measuring device 315 through the second attachment band 307 in the second direction 140.
  • forces between the second portion of the measuring device 315b and the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment 330 prevent the measuring device 315 from sliding in either direction 135 or 140, thereby locking the measuring device 315 in the extended state after obtaining the dilation measurement.
  • Forces between the measuring device 315 and the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment 330 may include tension, friction, compression, resistance, mechanical forces, spring forces, adhesives, or other forces that will be apparent to one skilled in the art. This will then lock the measuring device 315 in the correct length for the dilation measurement.
  • FIGs. 5C-5E show some embodiment examples of a locking mechanism for use with a slidable attachment.
  • Fig. 5C shows one embodiment of the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 with a measuring device 315 having thin projections, collapsible arrows, or barbs 345 that compress or collapse as they go through the locking mechanism of the slidable attachment 330 in a first direction 135 when the fingers 120a, 120b are separated.
  • the thin projections or collapsible arrows 345 then expand after going through the locking mechanism, preventing them from moving backward in a second direction 140, thereby locking the measuring device 315 in the substantially extended state after measuring the dilation measurement. This will then lock the measuring device 315 in the correct length for the dilation measurement.
  • Fig. 5D shows another embodiment of the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 with a measuring device 315 having thin ridges 350 that "pop through” the locking mechanism of slidable attachment 330 in a first direction 135 as the fingers 120a, 120b are separated. Once the ridges 350 "pop through” the locking mechanism, the measuring device 315 cannot move backward in a second direction 140, thereby locking the measuring device 315 in the substantially extended state after measuring the dilation measurement. This will then lock the measuring device 315 in the correct length for the dilation measurement. [0076] Fig.
  • 5E shows another embodiment of the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 with a measuring device 355 that uses a cable tie or tie-wrap, also known as a hose tie, zap- strap, or zip tie with a ratcheting mechanism 360 for locking the measuring device 355 on the slidable attachment on the second attachment band 307.
  • the measuring device 355 slides in a first direction 135 as the fingers 120a, 120b are separated. Once through the ratcheting mechanism 360, the measuring device 355 can't move backward in a second direction 140, thereby locking the measuring device 355 in the substantially extended state after measuring the dilation measurement. This will then lock the measuring device 355 in the correct length for the dilation measurement.
  • the practitioner would insert the first finger 120a and the second finger 120b and the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 with measuring device 315 into the cervical opening 30.
  • the practitioner would place the first finger 120a on one side of the cervical opening 30 and then move the second finger 120b toward the opposite side of the cervical opening.
  • the first portion 315a of the measuring device 315 is fixed to the first attachment band 306 which is coupled to the first finger 120a and the second portion 315b of the measuring device 315 slides through the slidable attachment 330 of the second attachment band 307 which is coupled to the second finger 120b, thereby lengthening the measuring device 315 to obtain the correct dilation measurement.
  • the practitioner would then withdraw the cervical device reading apparatus 300, and read the dilation measurement from the second portion 315b of the measuring device 315.
  • the practitioner may subsequently close the fingers 120a, 120b to place them on opposite sides of the cervical opening 30.
  • the practitioner may then apply force to the third portion of the measuring device 315c to shorten the length of the measuring device between fingers 120a and 120b, resulting in a length between the first finger 120a and the second finger 120b equivalent to the diameter of the cervical opening 30.
  • the practitioner would then withdraw the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300, and read the dilation measurement from the second portion 315b of the measuring device 315.
  • the practitioner may extend the fingers 120a, 120b beyond the diameter of the cervical os 30 when donning the apparatus, when adjusting the apparatus on the fingers, when initiating the cervical examination, or during the cervical examination. If overextension occurs at any point, the practitioner may shorten the length of the measuring device 315 between the two bands 306 and 307 by pulling on the third portion of the measuring device 315c.
  • the practitioner may close his/her fingers 120a, 120b prior to removing his/her fingers 120a, 120b and the cervical dilation reading apparatus 300 from the vagina.
  • the locking mechanism will hold the second portion 315b of the measuring mechanism 315 in place, allowing the practitioner to read the correct cervical dilation measurement from the second portion 315b of the measuring mechanism 315.
  • Practitioner positions the first attachment band on a first finger and the second attachment band on a second finger.
  • the practitioner may apply lubricant to fingers to be used in the examination, for example, the pointer (or 2nd finger) and middle (or 3rd finger). This is optional and used routinely in obstetric practice to increase patient comfort with digital vaginal examination. Lubricant has no effect on the device or measurement.
  • the locking mechanism locks the measuring device in the extended state equal to the diameter of the cervical opening.
  • the practitioner can use the length of the measuring device between the two fingers to determine the cervical dilation.
  • the first and second attachment band are removed from the fingers.
  • the disclosed invention fills an important gap in practitioners' ability to accurately and precisely determine cervical dilation measurements during labor.
  • this device presents a novel and important addition to medicine.

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Abstract

Un appareil de lecture de la dilatation cervicale, pour des mesures précises de la dilatation cervicale, comprend une première partie, une deuxième partie et une troisième partie, une première courroie attachée au doigt fixé à la première partie, et une seconde courroie coulissante attachée au second doigt fixé à la seconde partie. Le mode d'emploi consiste à attacher les courroies au premier et au second doigt, placer le premier doigt sur un côté du col de l'utérus, et étendre le second doigt sur le côté opposé du col de l'utérus, pour étendre le dispositif de mesure, à tirer sur la troisième partie du dispositif de mesure, à retirer les doigts, et à déterminer le diamètre de l'os cervical par la longueur du dispositif de mesure.
PCT/US2017/031408 2016-04-04 2017-05-05 Méthode et appareil de lecture de la dilatation du col de l'utérus pendant le travail et l'accouchement. Ceased WO2018022168A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US15/090,537 2016-04-04
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