A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided.

A cervical probe, outfitted with a tactile sensor array and an ultrasound transducer, is designed for simultaneous collection of stress and ultrasound strain data from the same cervical sector. The gathered stress and strain data from multiple cervical sectors are sent to a data processor, which calculates cervical elasticity as a strain-to-stress ratio. Subsequently, an average stress-to-strain ratio is compared to a predetermined cutoff value to predict preterm birth at 24-28 gestational weeks.

Cervical ripening catheters are disclosed, and methods for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine parameters without rupturing the amniotic sac. The catheter is provided with a uterine balloon, and a pressure sensor in pressure sensing communication with the uterine balloon. Sensing circuitry is configured to detect pressure applied to the pressure-sensor and communicate information relating to uterine contractions. The catheter may also be provided with sensors for determining fetal heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fetal blood pH or pelvimetry measurement. A working channel extends throughout the catheter to permit direct access to the amniotic sac by additional diagnostic or therapeutic tools.

Disclosed are embodiments describing finger calipers with a pair of lever arms pivotally attached to a hand plate via a pivot point at their respective proximal ends. Each of the lever arms extend along the length of a finger and attach to the end of the respective finger via a finger cuff or some other attachment means. Accordingly, the lever arms can open and close, or otherwise splay apart, in a scissor like manner when the fingers that they are attached to open and close or otherwise splay apart. A ratchet system comprised by one of the lever arms and the hand plate allow for one-way motion of the ratcheted lever arm. The other lever arm freely pivots across the hand plate. When a medical examiner is using the finger calipers, they can reliably measure a dilated cervix by reading a corresponding dilation measurement indicium associated with the ratcheted lever arm.

A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Disclosed are embodiments describing finger calipers with a pair of lever arms pivotally attached to a hand plate via a pivot point at their respective proximal ends. Each of the lever arms extend along the length of a finger and attach to the end of the respective finger via a finger cuff or some other attachment means. Accordingly, the lever arms can open and close, or otherwise splay apart, in a scissor like manner when the fingers that they are attached to open and close or otherwise splay apart. A ratchet system comprised by one of the lever arms and the hand plate allow for one-way motion of the ratcheted lever arm. The other lever arm freely pivots across the hand plate. When a medical examiner is using the finger calipers, they can reliably measure a dilated cervix by reading a corresponding dilation measurement indicium associated with the ratcheted lever arm.

A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided.

Apparatus for determining the electrical conductivity of target cervical tissue using magnetic impedance spectroscopy comprising: an excitation coil for producing a magnetic field which is capable of inducing currents in the target cervical tissue; a gradiometer for detecting perturbations in said magnetic field caused by said induced currents, the gradiometer including screening means for minimising sensitivity to tissues other than the target tissue; processing means for determining an electrical conductivity of said target cervical tissue from said perturbations.

An apparatus for determining a force F.sub.tip applied to a tip of an electrical impedance spectroscopy probe includes a load cell, accelerometer, and a processing means. The probe tip has a substantially planar distal end for contacting human or animal tissue. The load cell measures the force F.sub.loadcell applied axially along a longitudinal axis when the probe tip is in contact with human or animal tissue. The accelerometer measures a gravity vector A.sub.axial. The apparatus includes a means for compensating for the mass of the probe tip using the measured force and the gravity vector to produce a calibrated measurement force F applied to the probe tip.