Fetal EEG during vacuum extraction delivery with a special plastic ventouse.
A vacuum extractor cup made of plastic with built-in percutaneous silver electrodes for fetal EEG and ECG registration is described. In an experimental set up the mechanical properties of the cup were tested. The cup electrodes were tested on a 1-month-old infant and a satisfactory recording was obtained. During delivery a technically acceptable fetal EEG was recorded between but not during tractions. Comparison of the EEG before and after two pulls showed a generalized reduction of amplitude and a decrease of rhythmic slow wave activity. The results indicate that a plastic cup with EEG electrodes might be a useful tool in studying fetal cerebral functions during delivery by vacuum extraction.