This technology is a program that uses ultrasound images to provide a personalized simulation of the mechanical forces on an expectant mother’s cervix to identify women who are at risk for preterm birth.
Approximately 80% of preterm births result from spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) that typically cannot be predicted unless a patient has a history of sPTB. sPTB is mainly caused by premature preterm rupture of membranes, preterm labor, or cervical insufficiency. While the risk of preterm rupture or labor are difficult to predict, ultrasound imaging may be used to directly visualize the mother’s maternal anatomy. However, ultrasound imaging only provides real-time information, and cannot provide an estimate of how the maternal anatomy will respond during the pregnancy. As such, there is a need for an automated method that can use ultrasound imaging to simulate the maternal anatomy and predict risk of preterm birth.
This technology describes a software that utilizes ultrasound images to simulate the maternal mechanical environment and predict risk of preterm birth. Using ultrasound images, this technology first creates a personalized 3D model of a women’s uterus and cervix and then employs Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the mechanical forces on the cervix. Based on the maternal mechanical environment, the technology can then predict the likelihood of preterm birth. As this technology only requires ultrasound images, it could be readily incorporated into routine ultrasound appointments using pre-existing equipment, enabling clinicians to better monitor pregnant women for risk of preterm birth. In addition, this technology could be readily modified to measure the mechanical forces in other soft tissues accessible by ultrasound imaging, such as blood vessels, kidneys, and the liver.
IR CU16149
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu
