United States Patent
US Patent 5871499: Child birth assisting system
US 5871499 ยท granted 1999-02-16
| Patent Number | 5871499 |
|---|---|
| Title | Child birth assisting system |
| Filed | 1997-04-25 |
| Granted | 1999-02-16 |
| Inventor(s) | Soonkap Hahn, John Merritt, Pat Roycroft, Steven T. Saville |
| Assignee | Novatrix Inc |
| CPC Classification | A61B17/132, A61B17/12, A61B17/00 |
| Number of Claims | 1 |
Abstract
The childbirth-assisting device uses an automatically synchronized expandable pneumatic girdle to externally augment the secondary force of labor. The girdle through which the pressure is applied is fitted around the abdomen of the woman. An inflatable bladder within the girdle is inflated to create a downward pressure on the abdomen upon detection of a contraction. An external pressure monitor is used to detect contractions to provide a signal for synchronizing inflation of the girdle. The external pressure monitor includes a solid state force sensor embedded within a pliable housing which is conformable to the patient’s abdomen to improve accuracy.
Claims Summary
1. A system for assisting in childbirth, the system comprising:a girdle having at least one inflatable bladder adapted to be positioned over a patient’s abdomen for applying pressure to the abdomen, said at least one inflatable bladder having means for introducing air into and releasing air from said at least one bladder;