SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING FETAL HEART RATE FOR NONINVASIVE INTRA-PARTUM FETAL MONITORING

摘要

A method and apparatus to simulate a fetal heart rate to train clinicians in using a Doppler probe. The apparatus includes an enclosure housing a bladder, with a piece of deformable material to be placed in contact with the bladder and the Doppler probe. The bladder is selectively pressurized by a source of compressed gas, the flow being controlled by a flow valve. A pressure release valve is provided to reduce pressure in the bladder. A pressure sensor monitors the bladder pressure. The flow valve may be controlled by a software run on a processor to achieve pre-determined bladder pressures to mimic a fetal heart rate.