Methods and system are described for multi-modal, multi-parametric, non-invasive, and real-time assessment of cervical tissue through a multi-modal probe device for use within a vaginal canal and an associated imaging system to assess a risk of preterm delivery of an expectant mother. The multi-modal system may include ultrasound (US) imaging, viscoelastic (VE) imaging, and/or photoacoustic (PA) imaging of the cervical issue to determine cervical biomarker information indicative of parameters including, but not limited to, a collagen to water ratio such that a more water dominant ratio is indicative of a risk of preterm delivery.

A optical system for measuring cervical dilation. The device of the subject invention can be a mono-view and/or stereo-view and can include computer enhancement features to provide two-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) imaging, depth sensing, viewing, and/or measurement capability.

In various embodiments of the invention, a manipulator attaches to and allows a sheath to be positioned inside the cervix and a catheter to thereby be inserted through the sheath and be positioned in a desired location in the uterus. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator may be attached or permanently connected to the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the sheath is fenestrated to allow the catheter to be detached from the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator allows the sheath to be positioned through the cervix canal to allow for catheter transmitted intrauterine pressure monitoring or balloon catheter assisted ripening of the cervix.

A device for retarding birth, forming a lumen for surrounding a uterine cervix, the device including an upper ring for surrounding the uterine cervix, and an anchoring mechanism for anchoring the device on the cervix. A tool for inserting a device for retarding birth, the device including a device lumen for surrounding a uterine cervix, the tool including a plurality of rods attached to two rings, forming a longitudinal tool lumen, each rod including a connector for attaching to the device for retarding birth at a distal end of the rod, and a mechanism at a proximal end of the rod, for detaching the device for retarding birth at the distal end of the rod. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus including a first clip configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus also includes a second clip configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus also includes an elongated connector that is semi-rigid and deformable and that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongated connector is coupled to the first clip, and the second end of the elongated connector is coupled to the second clip. The apparatus also includes a sensor coupled to the elongated connector between the first end and the second end.

In various aspects, a photoacoustic endoscopic probe and methods for measuring a hydration of a connective tissue in vivo using the photoacoustic endoscopic probe are disclosed.

The present disclosure describes a fast-scanning optical-resolution photoacoustic (fsOR-PAE) endoscope for imaging vasculature within tissues in vivo that includes an ultrasonic transducer and a scanning mirror within a lumen of an elongate casing. The scanning mirror is configured to direct the laser pulses from the pulsed laser source to a focal spot outside the casing in a scanning pattern via an imaging window formed in the casing. The scanning mirror is further configured to direct a plurality of photoacoustic signals from the focal spot to the ultrasonic transducer via the imaging window.

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.

In various embodiments of the invention, a manipulator attaches to and allows a sheath to be positioned inside the cervix and a catheter to thereby be inserted through the sheath and be positioned in a desired location in the uterus. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator may be attached or permanently connected to the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the sheath is fenestrated to allow the catheter to be detached from the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator allows the sheath to be positioned through the cervix canal to allow for catheter transmitted intrauterine pressure monitoring or balloon catheter assisted ripening of the cervix.

A method for identification of biochemical markers associated with cervical remodeling over the course of pregnancy of humans includes obtaining Raman signals from the cervix of each of a group of humans with pregnancy at each phase of pregnancy; finding Raman signatures corresponding to each type of cervical tissue from the obtained Raman signals; and identifying biochemical markers associated with cervical remodeling at each phase of pregnancy corresponding to the Raman signatures.