I am interested in finding out about the different devices (and their
manufacturer) used to monitor cervical dilation during labor. These
devices should complement or (preferably) replace the commonly used
manual technique for measuring cervical diameter.

Possible device categories may include 1) mechanical (forceps,
direct-visualization) or 2) ultrasonic. Ideally, I would like
information on four companies from each category, but will appreciate
any information you can provide as I need to conduct further research
into these different companies, once they are identified.

While my main interest is in companies with a cervical monitoring
device already in the market, I would also welcome additional
information on early-stage companies or university research programs
with devices currently under development. It seems that these are
found on university or think tank technology transfer sites around the
world?or maybe from a presentation at a Obstetrics meeting on new
technology in childbirth.  I am already aware of two Israeli companies
with technologies under development: Barnev Ltd. (ultrasonic) and LCS
Ltd. (electronic probes), so information on them is not needed.  I
know these are sometimes really hard to find, so I am willing to pay
an additional tip for each of these really early ones.

One other thing that I do not need specifically is fetal monitoring,
as I am really looking for monitors of the mom.  However, if you find
something interesting, send me a message and we can talk about it as I
am always amazed at what the Google researchers find!

Any assistance will be extremely helpful. I will be glad to clarify
anything that may seem unclear. Many thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 29 May 2004 17:24 PDT

sga2004-ga,

The FDA maintains several extensive databases of all medical equipment
approved for use in the US, and I searched several of these, but could
find no mention of any device that meets your description.

Are you aware that such a device exists?  If so, it would be helpful
to have more information about it -- especially the device name --  so
that I could see how it is described in the FDA databases, and then
look for similar devices.

Any additional information would be helpful.

Thanks.

pafalafa-ga

---

Clarification of Question by sga2004-ga on 01 Jun 2004 09:58 PDT

Dear pafalafa-ga, 

Thank you for your request for clarification. I apologize for the
delay in responding.

Unfortunately, I do not know the market name of any specific cervical
monitor. I have come across many articles/patents of products under
development and am interested in finding out if any are available for
sale in the US or abroad. The Barnev Ltd. site (www.barnev.co.il)
provides a good description of their Computerized Labor Monitoring
System, a cervical monitoring ultrasonic device. Additionally, there
is the "Method and Apparatus for monitoring cervical diameter" by Jack
Sliwa (US patent 6039701). I also read articles that mention various
cervimeters such as the Friedman, the Richardson, and the Krementsov,
but am not aware whether any of these ever made it to market.

I hope this information is useful. Your assistance is truly appreciated.

This page of info about the Barnev monitor contains email, telephone,
and fax contact information that you may find useful:

"TEL: 972-3-6499546/6564092
 FAX: 972-3-6566735
 E-MAIL: nevoroee@internet-zahav.net.il" 
 
http://www.incubators.org.il/14026.htm

You can view the patent referenced, "Method and Apparatus for
monitoring cervical diameter" (US patent 6039701)at www.ipfoundry.biz.
 This patent is available for licensing and we have contacts for
manufacturing the device.