All Heart: HP 8020A Cardiotocograph

A doctor checking the printed readout from the HP 8020A cardiotocograph with a woman in bed in background. Enlarge
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Date: 1968

The HP 8020A cardiotocograph was the world’s first non-invasive electronic fetal heart monitor, developed in a partnership between Division in Böblingen, Germany, and Dr. Konrad Hammacher, a German OB-GYN and professor of medicine. Though it was originally available only in the European market, around 1970 it became the first major Hewlett-Packard project to be imported to the United States after being developed overseas. The device and its conceptual descendants have saved countless infants from death or disability during labor.

Tags: 1960s • 1968 • Healthcare Technology

( C ) HPCA

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