All Heart: HP 8020A Cardiotocograph

A doctor checking the printed readout from the HP 8020A cardiotocograph with a woman in bed in background. Enlarge
Share this piece of history
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.

 

 

Watch an Inside the Vault video about the 8021A fetal heart monitor.

Tags: 1960s • 1968 • Healthcare Technology

( C ) HPCA

Related
The Gold Medal of Honor of Böblingen
Doctor’s Orders: HP Acquires Sanborn
Staying Safe: Employee Safety at HP