| 摘要 |
A device for implantation on the cervix of a pregnant female that provides an alerting means by which a female patient or her health caregiver is notified of the onset of labor. The device comprises a housing manufactured from biocompatible material into which a spindle member joined to a tension sensor passes. The housing also contains a transmitter and a power source for the sensor and transmitter. A plurality of sutures are fixed the spindle and pass out of housing so that they may be attached to the female patient's cervix. A tension knob is provided for winding excess suture length onto the spindle, thereby securing the device within the vagina. Dilatation of the cervix at the onset of labor exerts tension on the sutures which is conveyed to the spindle and translated by the sensor to a signal directed at the transmitter. The transmitter issues an electronic signal to a second electronic device such as a pager or PDA, notifying the patient or her health caregiver of impending birth.
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