System and method for analyzing progress of labor and preterm labor
Inventors
Principe, Jose C. • Maroserro, Dorothee • Euliano, Tammy Y. • Euliano, II, Neil Russell
Assignees
CONVERGENT ENGINEERING Inc • University of Florida Research Foundation Inc
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Publication Number
US-9974474-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for monitoring uterus contraction activity and progress of labor. The system of the subject invention can comprises (1) a plurality of sensors; (2) an amplifying/filtering means; (3) a computing means; and (4) a graphical user interface. Accurate clinical data, which can be extracted and provided to the user in real-time using the system of the invention, include without limitation, progress of labor, prediction and monitoring of preterm labor, and intrauterine pressure prediction. In a preferred embodiment, the system of the invention includes an intelligence means, such as a neural network system, to analyze and interpret clinical data for use in clinical diagnosis as well as delivery strategy.
Core Innovation
The patent describes a uterine monitoring system that uses a plurality of surface sensors configured to attach to a patient’s abdomen and receive uterine electrical signals. A processor receives or determines a location of each surface sensor, records the sensor location and the electrical signals over time, and converts the electrical signals into contraction intensity information. For each specific point in time, the processor creates a plurality of uterine contractile maps by spatially correlating the contraction intensity information based on the location of the plurality of surface sensors.
The system classifies contraction patterns using the plurality of uterine contractile maps, where contraction patterns are classified as LUS-Fundal, LUS-LUS, Fundal-LUS, or Fundal-Fundal. The classification includes calculating a percentage of time each contraction pattern occurs within a predetermined period of time represented by the plurality of uterine contractile maps, and the classification is based at least in part on the percentage of time each contraction pattern occurs within the predetermined period.
The system communicates to a clinician clinically relevant findings that determine contraction efficiency stemming from the plurality of uterine contractile maps. Based on the clinically relevant findings, the system either initiates, modifies, or discontinues administration of oxytocin to the patient.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims, one directed to a uterine monitoring system and one directed to a method for monitoring uterine contractility. Both independent claims share four inventive features: generating uterine contractile maps from spatially correlated contraction intensity information, percentage-based classification of contraction patterns, communication of clinically relevant findings that determine contraction efficiency, and oxytocin administration control based on those findings.
Uterine contractile maps from spatially correlated contraction intensity information
Converting electrical signals from the plurality of surface sensors into contraction intensity information; and creating a plurality of uterine contractile maps, each for a specific point in time, by spatially correlating the contraction intensity information based on the location of each of the plurality of surface sensors.
Percentage-based classification of contraction patterns using time-specific contractile maps
Classifying, based at least in part on the plurality of uterine contractile maps, contraction patterns as LUS-Fundal, LUS-LUS, Fundal-LUS, or Fundal-Fundal, wherein classifying the contraction patterns includes calculating a percentage of time each contraction pattern occurs within a predetermined period of time represented by the plurality of uterine contractile maps.
Clinically relevant findings determining contraction efficiency from contractile maps
Communication, to a clinician, of clinically relevant findings that determine contraction efficiency stemming from the plurality of uterine contractile maps.
Oxytocin administration control based on contractile-map-derived contraction efficiency findings
Based on the clinically relevant findings stemming from the plurality of uterine contractile maps, either initiate, modify, or discontinue administration of oxytocin to the patient.
Overall claim coverage centers on generating time-specific uterine contractile maps from spatially correlated contraction intensity information obtained from abdominal surface sensors, classifying contraction patterns into LUS-Fundal, LUS-LUS, Fundal-LUS, or Fundal-Fundal using a percentage-of-time calculation over a predetermined period, communicating clinically relevant findings that determine contraction efficiency, and using those findings to initiate, modify, or discontinue oxytocin administration.
Stated Advantages
Provides clinically relevant findings that determine contraction efficiency stemming from the plurality of uterine contractile maps.
Enables initiation, modification, or discontinuation of oxytocin administration based on the clinically relevant findings.
Documented Applications
Monitoring uterine contractility in a patient by placing a plurality of surface sensors on the patient’s abdomen, creating uterine contractile maps, classifying contraction patterns, and communicating clinically relevant findings to a clinician to determine contraction efficiency.
Guiding oxytocin administration based on clinically relevant findings stemming from the plurality of uterine contractile maps.
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