Noninvasive monitoring of uterine contractility in pregnant patients using multiple tocodynamometers

The goal of this project was to develop and apply small tocodynamometers to record uterine contractions and their temporal and spatial relationships simultaneously on patients in labor. The tocodynamometer designed for this application is based on a design originally developed by F. Fallenstein of the University of Zurich. The active element of the sensor is a piezoelectric ceramic disk such as those used in audible annunciators. The disk is supported circumferentially by the sensor housing, and a probe that comes in contact with the abdomen presses against the center of the disk. The electrodes on the ceramic element are connected to an amplifier located in the sensor. Uterine contractions are identified and their duration determined by computer