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Innovative Labor Pain Management System

IP Title

Obstetric Analgesia System

Detailed Technology Description

None

Supplementary Information

Inventor: Euliano, Tammy Y. | Euliano, II, Neil Russell | Principe, Jose C. | Marossero, Dorothee
Priority Number: US7942818B2
IPC Current: A61B000500
US Class: 600304 | 600026 | 600027 | 600028 | 600511 | 607046
Assignee Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation Inc.inesville | Convergent Engineering Inc.inesville
Title: Obstetric analgesia system
Usefulness: Obstetric analgesia system
Summary: Used for extracting electrohysterogram (EHG) data for use in establishing contraction clinical data for administering an analgesic based on timing and intensity of contraction-induced pain for relieving labor pain, for predicting onset of contraction and onset of contraction-induced pain in a patient experiencing labor, and underweight/morbidly obese patient, and for delivering an analgesic/pain medication e.g. opioid, local anesthetics, barbiturate, phenothiazine, benzodiazepine, ketamine and mixed agent, to the patient.
Novelty: Maternal labor pain management system for e.g. predicting onset of contraction-induced pain, has multiple electrode sensors for acquiring uterine electromyogram data and for capturing maternal-fetal vital signal e.g. heart rate

Industry

Biomedical

Sub Category

Medical Device

Application Date

Jan 26, 2007

Application No.

7,942,818

Others

*Abstract

Coordinates Analgesic Application with Contraction Timing for Maximal Pain Relief

This groundbreaking labor pain management system releases analgesic medication based on contraction timing, relieving pain without severe neuromuscular blocking. Childbirth can be an extremely painful experience for women, many of whom tend to opt for medications that numb pain-sensitive nerves during labor. Although a variety of options exist for pain relief during labor, most women prefer to remain aware and in control during the birthing process. Epidural or spinal analgesics effectively manage pain, while allowing the recipient to remain conscious with minimal loss of muscle function. Intravenous analgesics (primarily opioids) are another, somewhat less effective, option for patients who cannot or choose not to have an epidural. Unfortunately, opioids are associated with many possible complications.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a system that successfully delivers analgesic pain relief to women in labor without the use of a spinal block. The system effectively manages pain by matching the application of the analgesic to the timing and intensity of contractions.

Applications

System for managing labor pain with contraction-timed medication release

Advantages

• Coordinates release of pain medication with contraction timing, maximizing patient comfort
• Promotes rest without loss of muscle function, ensuring the patient can actively participate in labor while dramatically reducing pain
• Provides accurate estimation of contraction intensities and lengths, releasing a precise amount of pain relieving agent at the optimal time
• Reduces risk of side effects, maximizing safety

Technology

This labor pain management system safely coordinates pain relief administration with contractions to achieve greater effectiveness. The system employs a uterine activity monitor that anticipates the onset of a contraction and uses this information to trigger an audible, visual, or electronic signal, which helps time the application of short-acting analgesics so that their peak effect is coincident with contraction pain. Options for the analgesic used are numerous, including a short-acting intravenous opioid, inhaled nitrous oxide or other agent, or electrical stimulation.

*IP Issue Date

May 17, 2011

*IP Publication Date

Oct 4, 2007

*Principal Investigator

Name: Tammy Euliano

Department:

Name: Dorothee Marossero

Department:

Name: Jose Principe

Department:

Name: Neil Euliano

Department:

Country/Region

USA