US5450857A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for the diagnosis of cervical changes
Assignee: The University of Texas System
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Filing: 1994-05-19
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Granted: 1995-09-19
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Expires: 2014-05-19
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a method and instrumentation for detecting the changes in cervical connective tissues associated with cervical dilation or effacement. This method uses an optical system to determine changes by laser or other light induced native fluorescence spectroscopies (LIF) of cervix. The method is non-invasive and instant. It operates by shining excitation light of a selected wavelength on cervical tissue and measuring fluorescent emissions. The measurement is completed in seconds. This method is an excellent fit with the clinical needs for determining the status of cervical dilation.
Inventors
- 👤 R. E. Garfield
- 👤 W. S. Glassman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/0059; A61B5/0082; A61B5/0084; A61B5/0071; A61B5/0075; A61B5/43; A61B5/4306; A61B5/4318; A61B5/4331
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for determining occurrence of cervical dilation or effacement of a subject, the method comprising: irradiating cervical connective tissues with excitation light in an amount and at a wavelength causing intrinsic fluorescence; and measuring fluorescent emissions from the cervical tissue; wherein cervical dilation or effacement is correlated with changes in fluorescent emissions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for determining occurrence of cervical dilation or effacement of a subject, the method comprising: irradiating cervical connective tissues with excitation light in an amount and at a wavelength causing intrinsic fluorescence; and measuring fluorescent emissions from the cervical tissue; wherein cervical dilation or effacement is correlated with changes in fluorescent emissions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 where the excitation light wavelength is ultraviolet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 where the excitation light wavelength is between about 300 nm and 380 nm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 where the fluorescent emissions are at a wavelength between about 320 nm and 700 nm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the cervical dilation or effacement is measured during pregnancy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the cervical dilation or effacement is measured during labor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the cervical dilation or effacement is measured in a non-pregnant subject.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the cervical dilation or effacement is measured after delivery.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a decrease in fluorescent emission is indicative of cervical dilation or effacement.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a means for introducing excitation light and for collecting fluorescent emission is introduced through the vagina of a subject.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the subject is a human.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
101 words
An instrument for measuring cervical tissue fluorescence comprising: a means for cervical surface excitation comprising a source of 300 to 380 nm light and optical fiber for guiding the light to a cervical surface; a means for measuring cervical tissue fluorescence comprising an optical fiber collection means for transmitting cervical fluorescence to a means for measurement and spectral analysis of said fluorescence said optical fiber and optical fiber collection means being disposed in a hollow tube having two ends and forming an obtuse angle between said ends for positioning adjacent a cervical measuring site by manual manipulation of the hollow tube.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
101 words
An instrument for measuring cervical tissue fluorescence comprising: a means for cervical surface excitation comprising a source of 300 to 380 nm light and optical fiber for guiding the light to a cervical surface; a means for measuring cervical tissue fluorescence comprising an optical fiber collection means for transmitting cervical fluorescence to a means for measurement and spectral analysis of said fluorescence said optical fiber and optical fiber collection means being disposed in a hollow tube having two ends and forming an obtuse angle between said ends for positioning adjacent a cervical measuring site by manual manipulation of the hollow tube.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument of claim 12, further comprising an endoscope to assist in positioning.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-09-18 | 1999-03-20 | 1999-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-09-18 | 2003-03-20 | 2003-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-09-18 | 2007-03-20 | 2007-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |