Cervix stiffness measurement system and method

Abstract

A system and method for determining cervical stiffness in a patient, to help identify the risk of preterm birth in pregnant patients, based on abnormal changes in cervical stiffness during pregnancy. A probe is inserted to engage the patient's cervix and activated to deform the cervix a predetermined amount. The amount of force needed for the probe to deform the cervix the predetermined amount is measured and a cervical stiffness value can be displayed, based on how much force was needed to deform the cervix the predetermined amount. The probe can include a piston, cuff or loop or an expanding head to deform the cervix. The probe can include the related electronics to activate the probe and display the results as well as preterm birth risk warnings.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.