Fetal magnetocardiographic recordings with a prototype bed-based array system of optically-pumped magnetometers
Diana Escalona-Vargas1, Eric R Siegel2, Elijah H Bolin3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Medical Engineering & Physics
|May 24, 2024
Summary
New optically-pumped magnetometers (OPM) sensors successfully recorded fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG), enabling fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) analysis. This technology shows promise for improved fetal cardiac monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) is a non-invasive technique to assess fetal cardiac electrical activity.
- Current fMCG technology often relies on SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) sensors, which require cryogenic cooling and are expensive.
- There is a need for more accessible and comfortable fMCG systems for routine clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel semi-rigid prototype optically-pumped magnetometers (OPM) sensor array for recording fetal cardiac activity.
- To extract features of fetal cardiac activity and perform fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) analysis using OPM-based fMCG.
- To assess the potential of OPM technology to improve the generalizability and reduce the cost of fMCG.
Main Methods:
- Collected fMCG data from 15 pregnant women (28-40 weeks gestation) using a prototype OPM sensor grid.
- Ensured sensor contact with the maternal abdomen for optimal signal acquisition.
- Extracted fMCG signals to perform standard FHRV analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully recorded quality fMCG in 13 out of 15 women.
- Observed OPM-derived FHRV indicators within the expected range compared to previous SQUID studies.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using OPM sensors for fetal cardiac monitoring.
Conclusions:
- The semi-rigid prototype OPM system effectively records high-quality fMCG.
- fMCG, particularly when acquired with OPMs, can identify critical fetal cardiac rhythm disturbances.
- OPM technology offers a potential pathway to lower costs and enhance maternal comfort, thereby increasing the clinical applicability of fMCG.
