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TOCODYNAMOMETER

The tocodynamometer is a device used to monitor uterine contractions during labor by measuring pressure changes on the mother's abdomen. It consists of a pressure sensor placed on the skin over the uterus and a recording system that displays the contraction data. There are internal and external versions, with the external one being more commonly used as it does not require insertion into the uterus. The external sensor detects pressure changes during contractions and converts these into electrical signals that are amplified and transmitted to the monitoring device for recording and analysis of contraction patterns.

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174 views4 pages

TOCODYNAMOMETER

The tocodynamometer is a device used to monitor uterine contractions during labor by measuring pressure changes on the mother's abdomen. It consists of a pressure sensor placed on the skin over the uterus and a recording system that displays the contraction data. There are internal and external versions, with the external one being more commonly used as it does not require insertion into the uterus. The external sensor detects pressure changes during contractions and converts these into electrical signals that are amplified and transmitted to the monitoring device for recording and analysis of contraction patterns.

Uploaded by

Anika
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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TOCODYNAMOMETER

Tocodynamometer is a device that is used to check uterine contractions.

A tocodynamometer (TOCO) is a device used to monitor and record uterine


contractions before and during labor. It is a pressure-sensitive device that is placed
on the mother's abdomen over the area of strongest contractions. The TOCO
records the length, frequency, and strength of uterine contractions. This
information can be used to assess the progress of labor and to determine if the
mother is receiving adequate pain medication.
There are two types of Tocodynamometers:
1) Internal
2) External
External tocodynamometer is more widely used. They are placed on the mother's
abdomen and do not require any insertion into the uterus.
Although internal tocodynamometers are more accurate than the external TOCO,
using an internal TOCO could lead to infections, and may also be uncomfortable.
External TOCO is used when a basic monitoring needs to be done.
The device consists of two components:
1. Pressure Sensor: The pressure sensor is placed on the mother's abdomen
over the uterus. It measures changes in pressure that occur as the uterine
muscles contract and relax. When a contraction occurs, the uterus becomes
firm and exerts pressure against the sensor.
2. Recording System: The pressure readings from the sensor are transmitted to
a recording system, which displays the data graphically on a monitor or a
strip chart. This graph helps healthcare providers visualize the pattern of
contractions over time and assess their frequency, duration, and intensity.
SIGNALS FROM TOCODYNAMOMETER

Getting signals from a pressure sensor in an external tocodynamometer involves


the conversion of the pressure changes detected by the sensor into electrical signals
that can be transmitted and processed by the monitoring device.
1. Pressure Detection: The pressure sensor is placed on the mother's abdomen
over the uterine fundus, where it can detect changes in pressure caused by
the contracting uterine muscles during contractions.
2. Transduction: Inside the pressure sensor, there are components that can
transduce the mechanical pressure changes into electrical signals. These
components can be strain gauges, piezoelectric materials, or other types of
pressure-sensitive elements.
3. Signal Conversion: Once the pressure is transduced into electrical signals,
the sensor converts the analog signals into digital signals using analog-to-
digital converters (ADCs).
4. Amplification: The signals from the pressure sensor are often weak, so they
may go through amplification to strengthen the electrical signal, making it
more robust for further processing.
5. Transmission: The amplified digital signals are transmitted through a
connecting cable that connects the pressure sensor to the monitoring device.
The cable carries the electrical signals to the monitoring device for display
and recording.

TE Connectivity 1630 Series Pressure Sensor


Voltage supply: 2- 10 V, typically 6V

The TE Connectivity 1630 series pressure sensor is safe to use for pregnant
women. The sensor does not generate any current or voltage, so it is not a hazard to
the baby.
The sensor is made of a ceramic substrate with a thin film of piezoresistive
material. The piezoresistive material is sensitive to pressure, and when it is
compressed, it produces a small electrical signal. This signal is then amplified and
converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

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