User's Manual

Fetal Monitoring
15-11
Intrauterine Pressure Monitoring
Actual intrauterine pressure, including contraction frequency, duration, intensity,
and uterine tone (pressure between contractions), is measured using an
intrauterine catheter and pressure transducer. Application techniques for internal
pressure catheters are considered to be beyond the scope of this manual. Consult
the manufacturer’s instructions included with the package for proper application
techniques.
Pressure Transducer Preparation and Application:
Reusable Pressure Transducer (Fluid Filled Catheter)
1. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on the preparation and insertion of the
intrauterine catheter.
2. Level the pressure transducer with the maternal xiphoid or the top of the
fundus.
3. Plug the pressure transducer (yellow) connector into the UA (yellow)
connector on the front of the monitor. The groove on the transducer connector
must be aligned properly.
4. Attach a 3-way stopcock (from the intrauterine catheter kit) to the side port of
the pressure transducer (strain gauge). Attach a pressure relief valve or dead-
end stopper to the top port.
5. Once the intrauterine catheter has been inserted, remove the catheter guide,
and attach the catheter to the 3-way stopcock.
6. Fill a 20 cc syringe with sterile water and attach it to the 3-way stopcock.
7. Turn the handle of the stopcock toward the pressure transducer and flush the
catheter with at least 5 cc of sterile water.
8. Turn the handle of the stopcock toward the catheter.
9. Lift the cap on the pressure relief valve or remove the dead-end stopper on the
top of the pressure transducer (strain gauge) dome to vent the dome. Flush
the transducer with 1 to 2 cc of sterile water.
10. Touch the RECORDER key to turn the recorder ON.
11. Touch the UA REF key to initialize.
WARNING:
• When inserting the intrauterine pressure catheter, the
membranes must be ruptured.
!
• Check to ensure that all of the air bubbles have been removed.
• If there are still air bubbles in the dome, repeat the process.
CAUTION:
• Do not attempt to force water into the transducer dome
unless it is vented to the air. Permanent damage to the
transducer may result.