| 摘要 |
An inflatable system, of between one and three balloons, for cervical dilation and labor induction is provided. The inflatable system may have a uterine balloon, for positioning at a proximal portion of the uterus, with respect to an operator, adjacent to the cervical internal os, the uterine balloon being shaped so as to maximize the pressure against the decidua and the internal cervical os and so as to minimize the pressure on the fetal head. Additionally or alternatively, the inflatable system may have a vaginal balloon, for positioning in the vagina, for applying pressure on the external cervical os. Additionally or alternatively, the inflatable system may have a cervical balloon, for positioning in the cervical canal, the cervical balloon being shaped so as to maximize the contact area with the cervix. The balloons are operative to stimulate the secretion of hormone, by exerting pressure on the proximal decidual surfaces of the uterus and on the cervix, so as to soften and ripen the cervix, cause the cervix to dilate, and induce labor. The balloons, which may have rough external surfaces, in order to keep them anchored in place, may be inflated by the operator, directly after their insertion, or manually and gradually, by the woman herself. Various sensors and other instruments may be used with the inflatable system, to monitor cervical dilation, fetal well-being, and the woman's conditions.
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