Packaging system for a fetal electrode.

摘要

A packaging system for a fetal electrode assembly. The assembly includes an electrode (20) which can be attached to a fetus. The electrode is coupled to an electrode wire (26). The electrode wire extends through a drive tube (30) and terminates in a connector end (32). A flexible guide tube (40) receives the drive tube. The packaging system includes a handle (50) and a clip (80). The handle is attached to the rearward end (56) of the drive tube. The handle has a forward section (52) which detachably mounts inside the rearward end of the guide tube. The handle also has a passage (58) for receiving the connector end and a slot (68) for securing the electrode wire when the electrode is not in use. The electrode projects from the forward end of the guide tube when the forward section (52) of the handle is mounted inside the rearward end of the guide tube. The clip has a head (90) mounted to the handle and a tail (84) which is wedged between the rearward end of the guide tube (40) and the rearward end of the drive tube to secure the handle when the forward section of the handle is not mounted inside the rearward end of the guide tube. The electrode is retracted into and protected by the guide tube when the handle is secured by the clip. <IMAGE>