Artificial womb

Abstract

Artificial womb (10) for the care of a premature infant (F) in particular until its lungs are mature or it is ready for birth, with - a reservoir (120) with a wall (121) for receiving the premature infant (F) and amniotic fluid (W); - an artificial placenta (150) with a connector (152) for connecting the umbilical cord (N) of the premature infant (F), wherein the artificial placenta (150) comprises at least one membrane (151) through which oxygen from the ambient air of the artificial womb (10) or from an oxygen reservoir (155) is supplied to the artificial placenta (150) for oxygenating the blood of the premature infant (F); and - a housing (110) in which the reservoir (120) and the artificial placenta (150) are arranged, wherein the housing (110) in particular has a compact shape, wherein the artificial uterus (10) is portable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an artificial womb for the care of a premature infant, particularly until its lungs have matured or it is ready for birth. The invention further relates to a system for the care of a premature infant, which includes an artificial womb.

[0002] Incubators are commonly used to care for premature infants. These devices are used to feed, ventilate, provide medical care, and keep the infant warm (currently defined as being born from a gestational age of 22 weeks). For this purpose, premature infants are connected to medical equipment via numerous tubes and probes. The noise from this equipment and the frequent interventions by medical staff expose the premature infant to physical and psychological stress, the long-term consequences of which are difficult to predict. To counteract this, it has become common practice for premature infants to have regular, close physical contact with their parents (kangaroo care). This physical contact already makes a valuable contribution to the premature infant's positive development. Nevertheless, the stressors remain.

[0003] The problem underlying the invention is to create a device for the care of a premature infant that is suitable for promoting not only physical but also neurological and psychological development and for providing the premature infant with an environment that is as similar as possible to the intrauterine environment. The device can be used, for example, to care for a premature infant from a gestational age of 22 weeks up to a gestational age of 28 weeks or possibly 32 weeks.

[0004] This problem is solved by providing the artificial womb with the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] The artificial womb then includes a reservoir with a wall to hold the premature infant and amniotic fluid. This allows the premature infant to float in amniotic fluid within the reservoir. The amniotic fluid can be artificial amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid environment provides good protection for the premature infant's delicate, thin skin. The reservoir specifically mimics the amniotic sac in the womb. Furthermore, the artificial womb includes an artificial placenta with a connector for attaching the premature infant's umbilical cord. The artificial placenta can be positioned externally on the reservoir. The connector can protrude into the reservoir through an opening in the reservoir wall. The connector and the opening can be sealed to prevent fluid leakage.The artificial placenta comprises at least one membrane through which oxygen (for example, from the ambient air of the artificial womb and / or from an oxygen reservoir that stores compressed oxygen) is supplied to the artificial placenta for oxygenating the premature infant's blood. The use of this membrane thus enables the supply of oxygen from the ambient air of the artificial womb (and / or from the oxygen reservoir) to oxygenate the premature infant's blood. If the oxygen from the ambient air is sufficient, the storage of (pure) oxygen in corresponding gas cylinders can be dispensed with. Furthermore, the membrane can also serve to remove carbon dioxide from the artificial placenta.To facilitate circulation and the supply of ambient air (and the removal of generated carbon dioxide), one or more fans may be provided to improve airflow. The reservoir and the artificial placenta are housed within the casing of the artificial womb. The casing is designed to be compact. A compact shape is defined as one in which the ratio of the casing's surface area to its volume is minimized, allowing the artificial womb to be grasped and held with two hands and / or worn on the user's body using a carrying system. However, the ratio of the casing's surface area to its volume need not be minimal; for example, the casing may have a flat side or a flat section.Due to its compact design and the membrane, the artificial womb is portable when functioning. It is a self-contained, autonomous, and mobile system. This means it can be used independently of any stationary devices (such as those used for ventilation or feeding of the premature infant) that are connected by tubes or cables. This allows the user extreme portability and mobility, enabling them to leave the hospital with the premature infant inside the artificial womb. The user's mobility is limited only by the potential need to remain close to the treating and monitoring hospital or doctor and by the availability of telephone contact.

[0006] A carrying system can be attached to the housing or be attachable to it. The connection between the housing and the carrying system can be detachable. Alternatively or additionally, the housing can be accommodated in a holder of the carrying system. The holder can, for example, be designed like a pocket. The housing can thus be carried with the carrying system. The carrying system is designed for attachment to the user's upper body. This allows the artificial womb to be worn by the user. In particular, the artificial womb can be worn in front of the user's abdomen. For example, the parents of a premature infant can wear the artificial womb in front of their abdomen using the carrying system. The premature infant thus experiences the movements and sounds of the parents.This allows the premature infant to experience the environment of the intrauterine space and promotes its neurological and psychological development. According to one embodiment, the carrying system comprises a pelvic belt and two shoulder straps. This allows the weight of the artificial womb, the premature infant within it, and the amniotic fluid to be distributed in a way that is as gentle on the user's back as possible.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the reservoir wall almost completely encloses a volume. Thus, the wall defines an interior space within the reservoir in which the amniotic fluid is stored. In particular, the wall is designed such that the amniotic fluid cannot escape from the reservoir uncontrollably. The wall may have at least one (closable) opening through which, for example, a (closable) feedthrough protrudes. This at least one opening, or feedthrough, provides access to the interior space of the reservoir.

[0008] For example, an access port may be provided in the reservoir wall or at an opening in the wall, through which amniotic fluid samples can be taken. This or another access port may be provided for exchanging the amniotic fluid. Alternatively, two access ports may be provided: one for draining amniotic fluid from the reservoir and the other for introducing amniotic fluid into the reservoir. For this purpose, a pump may be provided that is designed to (continuously) pump the amniotic fluid out of and back into the reservoir. Outside the reservoir, a device for purifying the amniotic fluid may be provided. This device may include filters and / or provide UV radiation for purification. In this way, the drained amniotic fluid can be purified and, after purification, returned (directly) to the reservoir. Alternatively, the amniotic fluid can be completely replaced.

[0009] It is conceivable that the reservoir wall is made of a stretchable material, particularly latex. This would allow the reservoir's volume to grow with the premature infant (similar to the amniotic sac in the womb). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the reservoir's size / volume could be adjusted using a device. This device could consist of a multi-segmented clamp that spans the reservoir. The number of segments in the clamp could be selected depending on the desired reservoir volume. For example, to increase the reservoir's volume, the number of clamp segments would be increased accordingly. Alternatively, the device could comprise a multitude of (concentrically arranged) rings of varying diameters surrounding the reservoir. To allow for an increase in the reservoir's volume, individual rings (with increasing diameters) could be removed one by one.As the premature infant grows in the reservoir, the pressure within the reservoir also increases. Based on (regular) pressure measurements, it is possible to determine when the device needs to be modified (by adding clamp links or removing rings) to increase the reservoir's volume.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the housing can be expandable and / or have a variable volume. For example, the housing can comprise a plurality of modules. A base module and a series of add-on modules can be provided, the add-on modules being of different sizes and designed for attachment to the base module. The base module can be combined with any of the add-on modules to form the housing. Depending on the choice of add-on module, the size / volume of the housing can be adjusted. It is also conceivable that an adjustment mechanism is provided with which the volume of the housing can be varied. In this context, the housing can have several (at least two) overlapping layers of material in sections, the extent of their overlap being variable and adjustable by means of the adjustment mechanism.It is also conceivable that the housing material has at least one fold in defined areas. Depending on the desired volume of the housing, the folded areas can be unfolded (fully or partially) using the adjustment mechanism.

[0011] The shape of the casing can be designed to mimic the abdomen of a pregnant woman. For example, the casing can include a flat section and a dome-shaped section that extends over the flat section. The flat section and the dome-shaped section together enclose a casing volume. When the artificial womb is worn on a user's torso, the flat section can rest against or be oriented towards their abdomen. The aforementioned base module can, for example, form or encompass the flat section. The aforementioned attachment module can, for example, form or encompass the dome-shaped section.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the housing is shock-resistant. This protects the premature infant from impacts. Furthermore, padding can be provided on the inside of the housing, facing the reservoir, to dampen impacts of the reservoir against the housing when the artificial womb moves.

[0013] Furthermore, the artificial womb can include a temperature control device designed to maintain a predetermined temperature within the reservoir. In particular, the predetermined temperature can be in the range between 36°C and 38°C. The temperature control device can include a temperature sensor, a heating device, and a control unit that regulates the heating device based on the temperature sensor's readings. A rechargeable energy storage device can be provided to operate the temperature control device. The rechargeable energy storage device can be located within the housing. An insulating layer for thermal insulation can be provided, at least partially, between the reservoir and the housing.For example, an insulating layer is provided between the dome-shaped section of the housing and the reservoir, while no insulating layer is provided between the flat section of the housing and the reservoir. Alternatively, the insulating layer can enclose the entire reservoir.

[0014] Various sensors can be provided to monitor the premature infant's condition. For example, at least one sensor can be used to monitor the infant's blood oxygen saturation and / or at least one sensor can be used to monitor the infant's heart rate. The sensors can be positioned on the artificial placenta, near the infant's umbilical cord. The sensors can be powered by the aforementioned rechargeable energy storage device. The measurement data can be transmitted (wirelessly) to a monitoring device. A blood sampling port can be provided on the placenta, near the infant's umbilical cord, to allow for the collection of blood samples.

[0015] For feeding the premature infant, the artificial womb can include a feeding device consisting of a food reservoir and a pump. The pump is designed to pump the food from the reservoir into the premature infant's umbilical cord or into the placental junction. The pump has the necessary connecting elements for this purpose. The pump can be controlled by a pump controller. The pump controller is designed, for example, to control the pump at regular intervals, based on a measurement signal, or following user input. Both the pump and the pump controller can be powered by the aforementioned rechargeable energy storage device. The reservoir can have a port so that it can be refilled as needed.Alternatively, the storage container can be designed as a disposable container, so that an empty storage container is replaced by a new, filled storage container.

[0016] The invention further relates to a system for the care of a premature infant. This system initially comprises an artificial womb of the type presented here. Furthermore, the system comprises a monitoring device configured to receive and evaluate measurement data from sensors of the artificial womb (sensor for monitoring the oxygen saturation of the premature infant's blood, sensor for monitoring the premature infant's heart rate). The measurement data include, for example, the oxygen saturation of the premature infant's blood or the premature infant's heart rate. Further (continuously acquired) measurement data from the examination of the premature infant's blood include, for example, the partial pressure of oxygen (px). O2 ), carbon dioxide partial pressure (p CO2Carbon dioxide (CO2), glucose level, pH value, base excess (BE), electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, fluoride, anion gap), and trace element levels (zinc, iron) are measured. Furthermore, the total protein level, plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration, and plasma CRP (C-reactive protein) concentration can be measured externally using a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic device in a blood sample taken from the premature infant (e.g., once daily). The monitoring device can receive the measurement data wirelessly from the sensors. The monitoring device can be located, for example, in a hospital and / or a doctor's office. The monitoring device can be configured to generate a signal based on the measurement data. To display the signal to a user, the system can include at least one display device. In principle, multiple display devices can be provided.For example, a display device can also be located in the hospital and / or doctor's office and serve medical staff for close / continuous monitoring of the premature infant (remotely). Further display devices can be made available to the user of the artificial womb, particularly in the form of wearable devices (smartphone, smartwatch, etc.). The signal displayed on a device intended for a layperson may differ in complexity from the signal displayed on another device intended for medical personnel.For example, based on a summary of all measurement data, a layperson could be shown either an initial signal indicating the premature infant's normal condition or a second signal prompting them to seek or contact medical personnel. In contrast, the signal intended for medical personnel could include all the details of the measurement data. This ensures that the layperson is not alarmed by fluctuations in the measurement data and is only informed when actual action is required. Simultaneously, medical personnel, who are qualified to interpret the measurement data, have access to all information to make informed decisions about necessary actions. It is also conceivable that the monitoring device could include an input device available to medical personnel, for example.The input device can be used to enter information or instructions from medical personnel. This information or these instructions can then be displayed on the screen available to the user of the artificial womb.

[0017] The system can include a base station for storing the artificial womb. The base station can have a shape that is (at least partially) complementary to the flat section of the housing. In particular, the base station can include a charging device for recharging the artificial womb's energy storage. It is also conceivable that the base station includes a temperature control device that corresponds in design and function to the temperature control device of the artificial womb. A sensor can be provided to detect whether the artificial womb is correctly positioned on / at the base station. The measurement data can be used to control the two temperature control devices. Thus, in the positive case, the system can ensure that (only) the temperature control device of the base station is in operation, while in the negative case, (only) the temperature control device of the artificial womb is in operation.

[0018] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1-5 different views of an artificial womb according to one embodiment; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of the care of the premature infant using the artificial womb from the Fig. 1 to 5; Fig. 7. A front view of a user with the artificial womb from the Fig. 1 to 5 together with a carrying system; Fig. 8 a rear view of the user from Fig. 7 with the carrying system; Fig. 9 the artificial womb from the Fig. 1 to 5 together with a base station; and Fig. 10 A schematic representation of a system for the care of a premature infant according to one embodiment.

[0019] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 5 show an artificial uterus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention in different perspectives. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows the care of a premature infant F in this artificial womb 10. The artificial womb 10 comprises a housing 110, which defines the external shape of the artificial womb 10. The housing 110 includes a flat section 111 and a dome-shaped section 112 that extends over the flat section 111. Together, the flat section 111 and the dome-shaped section 112 enclose a housing volume 113.

[0020] The housing 110 contains a reservoir 120 for receiving the premature infant F and amniotic fluid W. The reservoir 120 comprises a wall 121 that (almost) completely encloses an interior space 122 of the reservoir 120.

[0021] For the continuous purification of the amniotic fluid W, a device 124 for purifying the amniotic fluid is provided, comprising a pump, filters, and a UV radiation source. The amniotic fluid W present in reservoir 120 is continuously pumped by the pump to the device 124 for purification, and the purified amniotic fluid W is then pumped back into reservoir 120. Corresponding lines 1241 for conveying amniotic fluid W are provided between reservoir 120 and device 124.

[0022] A temperature control device (not shown) is provided between the reservoir 120 and the housing 110. This device is designed to maintain the temperature in the interior 122 of the reservoir 120 within a predetermined range. The temperature control device comprises a heating device, a temperature measuring device, and a control unit that regulates the heating device based on the temperature measuring device's readings. For example, the heating device extends in a network-like pattern around the entire reservoir 120. Alternatively, the heating device can be configured to direct tempered air into the space between the reservoir 120 and the housing 110, thereby maintaining the temperature in the interior 122 of the reservoir 120 within a predetermined range. The temperature measuring device can perform temperature measurements at several points on the wall 121 of the reservoir 120.

[0023] An insulating layer 140 is also provided between the reservoir 120 and the housing 110 for thermal insulation of the reservoir 120. The insulating layer 140 surrounds, for example, the heating element of the temperature control device and is directly connected to the heating element.

[0024] The housing 110 also contains an artificial placenta 150 for supplying the premature infant F with oxygen (and nutrients). The artificial placenta 150 comprises membranes 151 through which oxygen from the ambient air of the artificial womb 10 is supplied to the artificial placenta 150 for oxygenating the blood of the premature infant F. In particular, the ambient air can be the air present in the vicinity of the membranes 151 within the housing 110 (in an air chamber 123). To improve the circulation of the ambient air in the area of ​​the membranes 151, at least one fan 154 (here, by way of example, three fans 154) is provided. In the embodiment of the Fig. In sections 1 to 5, the fans 154 are located, on the one hand, in the area of ​​the membranes 151 where the membranes 151 absorb oxygen, and on the other hand, in the area of ​​the membranes 151 where the membranes 151 release carbon dioxide. To enable air supply even under the clothing of a user B, tubes 130 are provided, for example, which lead near the fans 154 and thus supply the fans 154 with ambient air or discharge carbon dioxide-rich air from the air chamber 123 into the environment of the artificial womb 10. These tubes 130 can (as in Fig. (7 shown as an example) can be discreetly attached to an edge of the clothing, for example at the neckline, using a clip.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to ambient air, the required oxygen can also be drawn from an oxygen reservoir 155. The oxygen reservoir 155 can be located in the housing 110. The oxygen reservoir 155 interacts with a valve 156 or a similar device to regulate the pressure of the oxygen escaping from the oxygen reservoir 155. The oxygen is conveyed from the oxygen reservoir 155 via a line 1551 to a section of the membranes 151 where the membranes 151 absorb the oxygen. Furthermore, a control unit can be provided that operates the valve 156 based on a regularly recorded measurement. This measurement can be, for example, the oxygen saturation of the premature infant's blood or the oxygen concentration in the air chamber 123.

[0026] A feeding unit 160 interacts with the artificial placenta 150. The feeding unit 160 comprises a storage container 161 for nutrients and a pump that pumps the nutrients from the storage container 161 via a line 162 into the artificial placenta 150 or to a connection piece 152 described below. For this purpose, the artificial placenta 150 has a corresponding access port 153 for nutrients. The storage container 161 has a port 1611 for filling.

[0027] The artificial placenta 150 is connected to the umbilical cord N of the premature infant F via the connector 152. Between the connector 152 and the membranes 151, conduits 157 are provided for the transport of deoxygenated blood from the umbilical cord N to the membranes 151 and of oxygenated blood from the membranes 151 to the umbilical cord N. The connector 152 can be equipped with a pump device that assists the corresponding blood flow. The oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood flows through the connector 152 of the artificial placenta 150 into the umbilical cord N of the premature infant F.

[0028] In the transition zone between the artificial placenta 150 and the umbilical cord N of the premature infant F, sensors 171 and 172 are installed to monitor the heart rate and blood oxygen saturation of the premature infant F. A port 180 for taking blood samples is also located in this zone.

[0029] A rechargeable energy storage device 190 is provided to supply energy to the device 124 for cleaning the amniotic fluid, the temperature control device, the pump of the feeding device 160, the sensors 171, 172, valves 156 and fans 154 (and possible other energy-consuming components).

[0030] The device 124 for cleaning the amniotic fluid, the temperature control device, the pump of the feeding unit 160, all sensors 171, 172, valves 156 and fans 154 are controlled by a control unit 195. The control unit 195 can also be arranged in the housing 110.

[0031] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. In Figure 8, the casing 110 of the artificial uterus 10 is arranged in a carrying system 20, which serves to attach the artificial uterus 10 to the upper body of a user B. The carrying system 20 comprises a pelvic belt 21 and two shoulder straps 22, as well as a receptacle 23. The receptacle 23 is attached to the pelvic belt 21 and the shoulder straps 22 and can be worn on the abdomen of the user B. The receptacle 23 serves to receive the casing 110 of the artificial uterus 10. The receptacle mimics the shape of the casing 110 and is shaped in particular similarly to a hemisphere. The receptacle 23 comprises an inner material layer 231 and an outer material layer 232 that surrounds the inner material layer 231 at least partially. While the outer material layer 232 is made of a rigid, dimensionally stable material / fabric, the inner material layer 231 is made of a relatively elastic material / fabric.The artificial uterus 10 is intended to be positioned within the inner material layer 231 of the receptacle 23. To allow access to the interior of the receptacle 23, the receptacle 23 has an opening mechanism 233. The opening mechanism 233 can assume an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, it is possible to place the artificial uterus 10 (and the inner material layer 231) into the receptacle 23 (in the outer material layer 232) and to remove it again from the receptacle 23 (the outer material layer 232). In the closed configuration, the artificial uterus 10 is securely housed within the receptacle 23 and protected from accidental slippage. The opening mechanism 233 is located in . Fig. 7, for example, is designed as a zipper.

[0032] In the embodiment of Fig. 7 The outer material layer 232 covers the inner material layer 231 only partially. The outer material layer has a shape that approximates a truncated cone. At the (annular) edge of the outer material layer 232, which forms the boundary between the covered section of the inner material layer 231 and the uncovered section of the inner material layer, the outer material layer 232 is provided with a size-adjustable element 234. The size-adjustable element 234 is designed to adjust the size of the outer material layer 232, particularly in the region of said edge. For example, the size-adjustable element 234 can be cord-like and arranged in an (annular) sleeve of the outer material layer 232 that follows said edge. By changing the length (shortening) of the cord-like element 234, the size of the outer material layer 232 can be adjusted (by gathering).

[0033] In another embodiment (not shown) the housing 110 can be detachably attached to the pelvic belt 21.

[0034] The carrying system 20 makes it possible to wear the artificial uterus 10 snug against the abdomen of the user B. Fig. Figure 7 shows that the artificial uterus 10 is in contact with the flat section 111 of the casing 110 against the abdomen of user B.

[0035] The in the Fig. The artificial womb 10 shown in figures 1 to 5 is part of a system 1 for the care of a premature infant F. In addition to the artificial womb 10, the system 1 includes a base station 30 ( Fig. 9) The artificial womb 10 can be placed on the base station 30 when it is not being carried by a user B using the carrying system 20. The base station 30 can be configured to recharge the rechargeable energy storage unit 190 of the artificial womb 10 when the artificial womb 10 is properly positioned on / at the base station 30.

[0036] Furthermore, system 1 includes a monitoring device 40 that receives and evaluates the measurement data from sensors 171, 172 ( Fig. 10) The measurement data are transmitted via a wireless communication link 50 from the sensors 171, 172 of the artificial womb 10 to the monitoring device 40. Therefore, the monitoring device 40 can be spatially separated from the artificial womb 10. For example, the monitoring device 40 can be located in a hospital, while the artificial womb 10 is at the home of the parents of the premature infant F or elsewhere outside the hospital. The monitoring device 40 is designed to generate a signal based on the evaluated measurement data and send it to a display device 60. The display device 60 comprises several display elements that are available to the user B of the artificial womb 10 and to medical personnel. The display device 60 is in Fig. 10 is also connected via a wireless communication link 50 to the sensors 171, 172 and the monitoring device 40. The display device 60 can also be connected only to the monitoring device 40. The in Fig. The 10 types of wireless communication shown are merely examples.

Claims

[1] Artificial womb (10) for the care of a premature infant (F) in particular until its lungs are mature or it is ready for birth, with - a reservoir (120) with a wall (121) for receiving the premature infant (F) and amniotic fluid (W); - an artificial placenta (150) with a connector (152) for connecting the umbilical cord (N) of the premature infant (F), wherein the artificial placenta (150) comprises at least one membrane (151) through which oxygen from the ambient air of the artificial womb (10) or from an oxygen reservoir (155) is supplied to the artificial placenta (150) for oxygenating the blood of the premature infant (F); and - a housing (110) in which the reservoir (120) and the artificial placenta (150) are arranged, wherein the housing (110) in particular has a compact shape, wherein the artificial uterus (10) is portable. [2] Artificial uterus (10) according to claim 1, characterized bya carrying system (20) that can be attached to the housing (110) or in which the housing (110) can be arranged and that is intended for attachment to the upper body of a user (B) in order to carry the artificial womb (10). [3] Artificial uterus (10) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the carrying system (20) comprises a hip belt (21) and two shoulder straps (22). [4] Artificial uterus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall (121) of the reservoir (120) completely encloses an interior space (122) of the reservoir (120). [5] Artificial uterus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall (121) of the reservoir (120) is made of a stretchable material, in particular latex, so that the volume of the reservoir (120) can grow with the premature infant (F). [6] Artificial womb (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing (110) is expandable and / or has a variable volume [7] Artificial womb (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (110) is shockproof. [8] Artificial uterus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (110) comprises a flat section (111) and a dome-shaped section (112) extending over the flat section (111), such that the flat section (111) and the dome-shaped section (112) enclose a housing volume (113). [9] Artificial womb (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a temperature control device designed to maintain a predetermined temperature within the wall (121) of the reservoir (120). [10] Artificial uterus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an insulating layer (140) is provided between the reservoir (120) and the housing (110) for thermal insulation. [11] Artificial uterus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sensor (172) for monitoring the oxygen saturation of the blood of the premature infant (F) and / or at least one sensor (171) for monitoring the heart rate of the premature infant (F). [12] Artificial uterus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the artificial placenta (150) has an access port (180) through which samples of blood from the premature infant (F) can be taken. [13] Artificial uterus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bya feeding device (160) comprising a storage container (161) for food and a pump designed to pump the food from the storage container (161) into the umbilical cord (N) of the premature infant (F) or into the connector (152) of the artificial placenta (150). [14] Artificial uterus (10) according to claim 13, characterized by , that a pump control is provided which is designed to control the pump at regular intervals, depending on a measurement signal or as a result of an input from a user (B). [15] System (1) for the care of a premature infant (F) comprising an artificial womb (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a monitoring device (40), wherein the monitoring device (40) is configured to receive and evaluate measurement data relating to the artificial womb (10). [16] System (1) for the care of a premature infant (F) according to claim 15, characterized by, that the monitoring device (40) generates a signal depending on the measurement data. [17] System (1) for the care of a premature infant according to claim 16, further comprising a display device (60) which is configured to display to a user the signal generated depending on the measurement data. [18] System (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising a base station (30) for storing the artificial womb (10). [19] System (1) according to claim 18, characterized by , that the base station (30) has a charging device for charging at least one energy storage unit (190) of the artificial womb (10).

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