Catheter for monitoring uterine contraction pressure

Abstract

A multi-lumen catheter for monitoring uterine contraction pressure having an elongated body configured and dimensioned for insertion into a bladder of a patient, the catheter having a first lumen, a second lumen, and a first balloon at a distal portion, the first lumen communicating with the first balloon. The second lumen communicates with the bladder to remove fluid from the bladder. The first balloon is filled with a gas to form along with the first lumen a gas filled chamber to monitor pressure within the bladder to thereby monitor uterine contraction pressure of the patient.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for measuring uterine contraction pressure of a patient during pregnancy by measuring bladder pressure, the method comprising the steps of:
 inserting a catheter into a urinary bladder of the patient through a vaginal canal;   taking a series of pressure readings of bladder pressure to indicate uterine contraction pressure;   displaying the pressure readings to indicate the uterine contraction pressure;   draining urine from the bladder through a lumen in the catheter;   wherein the catheter is inserted and measures pressure without dilating the uterine cervix and without rupturing the amniotic membrane.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the method quantifies intensity of uterine contraction in a non-laboring mother. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the method detects contraction in the non-laboring mother with symptoms of preterm labor. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein pressure is measured continuously without interrupting urine flow. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein pressure is measured continuously without interruptions to add water to the bladder. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the catheter has a side opening connecting with the lumen for draining urine from the bladder. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the catheter includes a balloon and the reading of pressure is based on deformation of the balloon, the balloon deforming by pressure from a wall of the bladder in response to outward uterine contraction pressure. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the catheter has an inflation lumen communicating with the balloon, and the method includes the step of inserting gas into the balloon prior to pressure readings. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the catheter has a pressure sensor within the balloon or lumen for measuring pressure. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the gas is air and the method further comprises connecting to the catheter a hub containing a pressure transducer to automatically advance air through the lumen of the catheter to expand the balloon from a deflated condition to a more expanded condition. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the balloon is an inner balloon and the catheter comprises a second balloon positioned external of the inner balloon, and the step of taking pressure readings of the bladder is based on deformation of the inner balloon caused by deformation of the second balloon in response to bladder pressure exerted on the second balloon. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising transmitting pressure readings to an external monitor connected to a hub connected to the catheter to assess uterine contraction pressure. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of measuring fetal heart rate. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of measuring maternal oxygen levels. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the catheter has a gas containing chamber including a lumen and a balloon for measuring pressure, and the chamber is a closed system. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of measuring maternal core body temperature. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the gas is air, and after initial insertion of air into the first lumen, additional air does not need to be inserted during the duration of insertion of the catheter in the bladder of the patient. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the catheter has a third lumen and a stabilizing balloon, and the method further comprises inflating the stabilizing balloon via the third lumen to secure the catheter within the urinary bladder. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein a sensor is positioned at a proximal region of the catheter. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein a sensor is positioned in a distal region of the catheter.