Probes, methods and systems are provided for sensing electrical activity of a non-pregnant uterine muscle. Also, methods are provided for acquiring information of uterine activity in a non-pregnant uterus.

An intra-uterine monitoring system is described. The system comprises an implantable sensor device, shaped and dimensioned for implantation in a uterus for measuring conditions within the uterus to generate sensor data, and a wearable receiver device, for wirelessly receiving the sensor data generated by the implantable sensor device. In this way, real-time, in-vivo monitoring of the intra-uterine environment can be performed. The implantable sensor device can be kept small and simple, requiring only the mechanical and electronic structures necessary to take sensor measurements and transmit those to the receiver device. By making the receiver device wearable, it can be kept in relatively close proximity to the implantable sensor device on a long-term basis, making regular monitoring viable.

Adaptive imaging methods and systems for generating enhanced low light video of an object for medical visualization are disclosed and include acquiring, with an image acquisition assembly, a sequence of reference frames and/or a sequence of low light video frames depicting the object, assessing relative movement between the image acquisition assembly and the object based on at least a portion of the acquired sequence of reference video frames or the acquired sequence of low light video frames, adjusting a level of image processing of the low light video frames based at least in part on the relative movement between the image acquisition assembly and the object, and generating a characteristic low light video output from a quantity of the low light video frames, wherein the quantity of the low light video frames is based on the adjusted level of image processing of the low light video frames.

The present disclosure relates to an enhanced intrauterine device. Some aspects may involve a body, at least one arm, at least one connector, a communication circuit, and a removal mechanism. The body may be inserted in a uterus. The at least one arm may in a first position extend radially from the body and in a second position be detached from the body. The at least one connector may link the at least one arm to the body such that the at least one arm remains linked to the body in both the first position and second position. The communication circuit may couple to at least one of the body and the at least one arm for responding to a first signal by transmitting a second signal. The removal mechanism may couple to body and may include a magnetic portion for removing the intrauterine device from the uterus.

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.

One aspect of the invention provides a fetal pulse oximeter including: a shape-memory member adapted and configured to expand outward and define a loop when advanced out of a cannula; one or more light sources mounted on the shape memory member and facing toward a center of the loop, the one or more light sources adapted and configured to generate red and infrared light; and a photodiode mounted on the shape memory member and facing toward a center of the loop. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for measuring recording pulse and blood oxygen saturation. The method includes: advancing the fetal pulse oximeter as described herein out of a cannula within a placenta; allowing the shape-memory member to expand outward; and placing the loop over a limb.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a method of monitoring a fetus in utero is disclosed that includes implanting a medical device into a patient's uterus, collecting fetal data using the medical device, and transmitting, e.g., wirelessly, the fetal data from the medical device to a receiver. In another embodiment, a medical monitoring system is disclosed that includes a first device that is implantable into a patient's uterus for collecting fetal data, and a second device that is configured and dimensioned for connection with the first device such that the fetal data is wirelessly communicable from the first device to the second device.

In certain embodiments, a method for communicating with a fetus may include providing, on an electronic device, a user interface configured to facilitate wireless communication of signals between the electronic device and at least one implanted device located in proximity to the fetus; and responsive to a user selecting a communication selection element, causing the wireless communication of signals inclusive of content data between the electronic device and implanted device.

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.

A system obtains a maternal electrocardiogram (ECG) signal that represents an ECG of a pregnant mother during a first time interval. The system further obtains a mixed maternal-fetal ECG signal that represents a combined ECG of the mother and her fetus during the first time interval; processes the maternal ECG signal and the mixed maternal-fetal ECG signal to generate a fetal ECG signal that represents the ECG of the fetus during the time interval, the fetal ECG signal substantially excluding the maternal ECG signal; and provides an output based on the fetal ECG signal.