Fast prototyping of an interface between new bedside device and computerized fetal monitoring system

Noninvasive measurement of oxygen saturation of fetal blood is a valuable supplement to conventional intrapartum cardiotocography in the area of fetal distress diagnostics. This work focuses on the technical problems that were overcome in incorporation of the new pulse oximetry feature into computerized fetal monitoring system. The prototype system is based on battery-powered notebook computer and its software was developed in LabView graphic applications environment. It made possible the investigation of the pulse oximeter ability to cooperate with various types of fetal monitors and the implementation of validation procedure for measurements.