A proposed novel method for CHD screening by fetal heart murmur detection using phonocardiography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiology
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are often undetected due to low-risk classification, bypassing regular fetal screening.
• Existing ultrasound echocardiography may miss subtle cardiac defects.
• Morphological heart defects in fetuses cause turbulent blood flow, leading to detectable murmurs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel screening method for detecting low-level congenital heart diseases (CHD).
• To utilize phonocardiography (PCG) for identifying fetal heart murmurs indicative of CHD.
• To enhance fetal monitoring by detecting CHDs missed by conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• Measurements are taken on the maternal abdomen.
• Sophisticated signal processing analyzes recorded sounds to detect fetal heart murmurs.
• The method is integrated into a telemedicine system, potentially combined with cardiotocographic (CTG) monitoring.

Main Results:

• The proposed PCG method can detect fetal heart murmurs associated with CHD.
• It offers advantages such as at-home measurements and integration with existing monitoring.
• The telemedicine implementation enhances safety against hidden cardiac conditions.

Conclusions:

• Phonocardiography offers a viable, non-invasive method for screening congenital heart diseases.
• The developed screening process improves detection rates for subtle fetal cardiac anomalies.
• Telemedicine integration of PCG enhances prenatal care and safety for undetected CHDs.