An improved spiral electrode applicator system for fetal heart rate monitoring.

A new fetal scalp electrode applicator system uses a guide tube with increased curvature and a plunger mechanism to advance, rotate, and release the spiral electrode. Results of a preliminary survey among house staff who used the system in 51 patients indicated a favorable impression, with 96.1% of the applications rated as "much better," "better," or "same" as compared with the conventional system. The rate for a subset of 26 patients with limited cervical dilatation (1-3 cm) or high station of the presenting part (-1 to -3) was similarly good (92.3%). The characteristics found most favorable were the increased curvature for facilitating applications to high presenting parts, the plunger mechanism for applying the electrode, and better control of the guide tube.