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| Avalon CL fetal monitor--Courtesy of Philips |
Philips ($PHG) announced FDA clearance of its Avalon CL Fetal Monitoring solution to monitor pregnant women without the use of cables, enabling more freedom of movement during labor.
"Conventional fetal monitoring solutions present limitations for physicians and patients alike," said Mike Mancuso, CEO of Philips Healthcare's patient care and monitoring solutions unit, in the release. "This latest cableless technology enhances clinician confidence and allows women more flexibility and freedom of movement during labor, which can be very beneficial to the woman and child."
According to Philips, allowing movement during labor results in shorter labor length and less pain. In addition, the release points to research showing that sitting upright can result in fewer abnormal heart rate patterns.
The device measures fetal heart rate, maternal pulse and uterine activity. It also performs electrocardiograms on the mother and child. In addition, Philips touts the device's Smart Pulse technology to distinguish between the mother and child's heart rates.
Finally, the device transmits the information to a Philips information management system to ensure the data are available across the continuum of obstetrical care, the company says.
Philips appears to be focusing on obstetrical care. In November 2014, the company announced that it will use its InnerSense Esophageal Temperature Probe to monitor the core temperature of underweight infants in collaboration with the Duke University School of Nursing.
Last year, the company announced its plan to spin off its lighting business, leaving the parent company focused on healthcare and consumer lifestyle products. In December the company paid $1.2 billion for San Diego devicemaker Volcano ($VOLC) to gain ground in catheter-based imaging and beef up its offerings as part of the company refocus.
- read the release