Portable artificial uterus

Abstract

The invention relates to an artificial uterus (10) for caring for a premature baby (F), in particular until its lungs mature or it reaches full term. The artificial uterus (10) comprises a reservoir (120) with a wall (121) for receiving the premature baby (F) and amniotic fluid (W). The artificial uterus (10) also comprises an artificial placenta (150) with a connecting piece (152) for connecting the umbilical cord (N) of the premature infant (F), wherein the artificial placenta (150) comprises at least one membrane (151) via which oxygen is supplied to the artificial placenta (150) from the ambient air of the artificial uterus (10) or from an oxygen reservoir (155) for oxygenating the blood of the premature baby (F). The artificial uterus (10) also comprises a housing (110) in which the reservoir (120) and the artificial placenta (150) are arranged, wherein the housing (110) has a particularly compact shape. The artificial uterus (10) is portable.

Description

[0001] Artificial uterus

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an artificial uterus for caring for a premature infant, in particular until its lungs are mature or ready for birth. The invention further relates to a system for caring for a premature infant, which comprises an artificial uterus.

[0004] Incubators are known for the care of premature babies. These are used to feed, ventilate, provide medical care, and warm the premature infant (currently from a gestational age of 22 weeks). For this purpose, premature babies are connected to medical devices via a multitude of tubes and probes. The noise of these devices and the regular interventions by medical staff expose the premature infant to physical and psychological stress, the long-term consequences of which are difficult to assess. 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 stress factors remain.

[0005] The problem underlying the invention is to create a device for the care of a premature baby that is suitable for promoting not only the physical development but also the neurological and psychological development of the premature baby and provides the premature baby with an environment that is as similar as possible to the intrauterine environment. The device can be used to care for a premature baby, for example, from a gestational age of 22 weeks up to a gestational age of 28 weeks or possibly 32 weeks.

[0006] This problem is solved by providing the artificial uterus with the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The artificial uterus then comprises a reservoir with a wall to hold the premature baby and amniotic fluid. This allows the premature baby to swim in amniotic fluid within the reservoir. The amniotic fluid can, in particular, be artificial amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid environment offers good protection for the premature baby's sensitive, thin skin. The reservoir particularly mimics the amniotic sac in the womb. Furthermore, the artificial uterus comprises an artificial placenta with a connector for connecting the premature baby's umbilical cord. The artificial placenta can be arranged (externally) on the reservoir. The connector can protrude into the reservoir through a through-opening in the reservoir wall. The connector and the through-opening can be connected in a fluid-tight manner.The artificial placenta comprises at least one membrane through which oxygen (for example from the ambient air of the artificial uterus and / or from an oxygen reservoir that stores compressed oxygen) is supplied to the artificial placenta to oxygenate the blood of the premature baby. The use of the at least one membrane thus enables oxygen from the ambient air of the artificial uterus (and / or from the oxygen reservoir) to be supplied to oxygenate the blood of the premature baby. The use of the at least one membrane thus enables oxygen from the ambient air of the artificial uterus and / or from the oxygen reservoir to be used. If the oxygen from the ambient air is sufficient, the storage of (pure) oxygen in corresponding gas cylinders can be dispensed with. In addition, the at least one membrane can serve to remove carbon dioxide from the artificial placenta.To assist the circulation and supply of ambient air (and the removal of the carbon dioxide produced), one or more fans may be provided for better air circulation. The reservoir and the artificial placenta are arranged in a housing of the artificial uterus. The housing has, in particular, a compact shape. A compact shape is understood to be a shape in which the ratio of the surface area of ​​the housing to its volume is as small as possible, with the aim of allowing the artificial uterus to be grasped and held with two hands and / or worn on a user's body with the help of a carrying system. The ratio of the surface area of ​​the housing to its volume does not have to be minimal, so that the housing can, for example, have a flat side or a flat section.Due partly to the compact shape of the housing and partly to the membrane, the artificial uterus is wearable when functional. The artificial uterus is a self-contained, autonomous, mobile system. This means it can be used independently of tube- and / or cable-connected immobile devices (e.g., for ventilation or feeding of the premature infant). This allows the user to be worn extremely close to the body and to be mobile, so that the user can, in particular, leave the hospital with the premature infant in the artificial uterus. The user's mobility may only be limited by the possible need for proximity to the treating or monitoring hospital or doctor and by the possibility of being reachable via a telephone network.

[0008] A carrying system can be attached or attachable to the housing. The connection between the housing and the carrying system can be detachable. Alternatively or additionally, the housing can be accommodated in a holder of a carrying system. The holder can, for example, be pocket-like. The housing can thus be worn with the carrying system. The carrying system is designed to be attached to a user's upper body. This allows the user to wear the artificial uterus. In particular, the artificial uterus can be worn in front of the user's stomach. For example, the parents of a premature baby can carry the artificial uterus in front of their stomach using the carrying system. The premature baby thus experiences the movements and sounds of its parents.This allows the premature baby to experience the intrauterine environment and promotes their neurological and psychological development. According to one embodiment, the carrying system includes a lap belt and two shoulder straps. This allows the weight of the artificial womb, the premature baby inside, and the amniotic fluid to be distributed in a way that is as gentle as possible on the user's back.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the wall of the reservoir almost completely encloses a volume. The wall thus defines an interior space of the reservoir in which the amniotic fluid is accommodated. In particular, the wall is such that the amniotic fluid cannot escape from the reservoir in an uncontrolled manner. At least one (sealable) opening can be provided in the wall, through which, for example, a (sealable) passage protrudes. The at least one opening or the passage allows access to the interior of the reservoir. For example, an access port can be formed in the wall of the reservoir or in the opening of the wall, through which samples of amniotic fluid can be taken. This or a further access port can be provided to exchange the amniotic fluid.Two access ports can also 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 can be provided that is designed to (continuously) pump the amniotic fluid out of the reservoir and back in. A device for cleaning the amniotic fluid can be provided outside the reservoir. This device can comprise filters and / or provide UV radiation for the purpose of cleaning the amniotic fluid. In this way, the drained amniotic fluid can be cleaned and, after cleaning, fed (directly) back into the reservoir. Alternatively, the amniotic fluid can be completely replaced.

[0010] It is conceivable that the wall of the reservoir is made of an expandable material, particularly latex. This allows the volume of the reservoir to grow with the premature baby (similar to the amniotic sac in the womb). Furthermore, it is conceivable to adjust the size / volume of the reservoir using a device. For example, the device could comprise a multi-link clamp that encloses the reservoir. The number of links in the clamp can be selected depending on the desired volume of the reservoir. To increase the volume of the reservoir, for example, the number of clamp links is increased accordingly. It is also conceivable that the device comprises a plurality of (concentrically arranged) rings of different diameters that extend around the reservoir. To allow for an increase in the volume of the reservoir, individual rings (with increasing diameter) can be gradually removed.As the premature infant grows within the reservoir, the pressure inside the reservoir also increases. For example, based on (regular) pressure measurements, the time can be determined when the device needs to be modified (adding clamps or removing rings) to allow the reservoir volume to increase.

[0011] 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. For example, a base module and a series of add-on modules can be provided, wherein the add-on modules have different sizes and are intended to be attached to the base module. The base module can be combined with one 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 to provide an adjustment mechanism with which the volume of the housing can be varied. In this context, the housing can have several (at least two) overlapping material layers in sections, wherein the extent of their overlap is variable and adjustable by means of the adjustment mechanism.It is also conceivable that the housing material, for example, 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.

[0012] The shape of the housing can be designed to imitate the abdomen of a pregnant woman. For example, the housing can comprise a flat section and a dome-like section that extends over the flat section. The flat section and the dome-like section thus enclose a housing volume. When the artificial womb is worn on the upper body of a user, the flat section can rest against or face the user's abdomen. The above-mentioned base module can, for example, form or comprise the flat section. The above-mentioned add-on module can, for example, form or comprise the dome-like section.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the housing is shock-resistant. This protects the premature baby from impacts. Furthermore, padding can be provided on the inside of the housing, facing the reservoir, to cushion impacts from the reservoir against the housing when the artificial uterus moves.

[0014] Furthermore, the artificial uterus can comprise a temperature control device designed to maintain a predetermined temperature in the interior of the reservoir. In particular, the predetermined temperature can be in the range between 36°C and 38°C. The temperature control device can comprise a temperature measuring device and a heating device, as well as a controller that controls the heating device depending on the measurement data from the temperature measuring device. A rechargeable energy storage device can be provided to operate the temperature control device. The rechargeable energy storage device can be arranged in the housing. An insulating layer for thermal insulation can be provided at least in sections between the reservoir and the housing.For example, the insulation layer is provided between the dome-like section of the housing and the reservoir, while no insulation layer is provided between the flat section of the housing and the reservoir. Alternatively, the insulation layer can enclose the entire reservoir. Various sensors can be provided to monitor the condition of the premature infant. For example, at least one sensor can be provided to monitor the oxygen saturation of the premature infant's blood and / or at least one sensor can be provided to monitor the premature infant's heart rate. The sensors can be arranged on the artificial placenta, near the premature 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.To collect blood samples from the premature baby, a blood sampling port may be provided on the placenta, near the umbilical cord of the premature baby.

[0015] For the purpose of feeding the premature baby, the artificial womb can comprise a feeding device having a reservoir for food and a pump. The pump is designed to pump the food from the reservoir into the umbilical cord of the premature baby or into the connecting piece of the placenta. For this purpose, the pump has the necessary connecting elements. The pump can be controlled by a pump controller. The pump controller is designed, for example, to control the pump at regular intervals, depending on a measurement signal, or as a result of a user input. The pump and the pump controller can also be supplied with energy by means of the aforementioned rechargeable energy storage device. The reservoir can have a port so that the reservoir can be filled as needed.Alternatively, the storage container can be designed as a disposable container, so that an emptied storage container is replaced by a new, filled storage container.

[0016] The invention further relates to a system for the care of a premature baby. This system initially comprises an artificial uterus of the type presented here. Furthermore, the system comprises a monitoring device designed to receive and evaluate measurement data from sensors of the artificial uterus (sensor for monitoring the oxygen saturation of the blood of the premature baby, sensor for monitoring the heart rate of the premature baby). The measurement data are, for example, the oxygen saturation of the blood of the premature baby or the heart rate of the premature baby. Further (continuously recorded) measurement data from the examination of the blood of the premature baby are, for example, the oxygen partial pressure (p O2), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pcos), carbon dioxide (CO2), glucose content, pH value, base excess (BE), electrolyte content (sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, fluoride, anion gap), trace element content (zinc, iron). Furthermore, the total protein value, the concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the plasma, and the CRP (C-reactive protein) concentration in the plasma can be measured externally (for example once daily) in a blood sample taken from the premature infant using a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic device. The monitoring device can receive the measurement data, in particular 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 designed to generate a signal depending on the measurement data. In order to display the signal to a user, the system can comprise at least one display device.In principle, multiple display devices can be provided. For example, one display device can also be located in the hospital and / or doctor's office and used by medical personnel for close / continuous monitoring of the premature infant (from a distance). Additional display devices can, for example, be available to the user of the artificial womb, particularly in the form of portable devices (smartphone, smartwatch, etc.). The signal displayed on a display device intended for a layperson may differ in complexity from the signal displayed on another display device intended for medical personnel.For example, based on an overview of all measurement data, a layperson can be shown either a first signal representing the normal condition of the premature baby, or a second signal corresponding to a request to seek out or contact medical staff. In contrast, the signal intended for medical staff can include all details of the measurement data. This ensures that laypersons are not unsettled by fluctuations in the measurement data and are only informed when action is actually required. At the same time, medical staff, who can professionally classify the measurement data, have access to all information and can always decide on the necessary measures based on comprehensive knowledge. It is also conceivable for the monitoring device to include an input medium that is available to medical staff, for example.The input medium can be used to input information or instructions from medical personnel. The information or instructions from medical personnel can be displayed on the display device available to the user of the artificial womb.

[0017] The system may comprise a base station for supporting the artificial uterus. The base station may have a shape that is (at least partially) complementary to the flat portion of the housing. In particular, the base station may have a charging device for charging the energy storage device of the artificial uterus. It is also conceivable for the base station to have a

[0018] Tempering device which, in terms of structure and function,

[0019] Temperature control device of the artificial uterus. A sensor can be provided to detect whether the artificial uterus is positioned correctly on / at the base station. The measured data can be used to control both temperature control devices. Thus, in the positive case, it can be provided that (exclusively) the temperature control device of the base station is in operation, while in the negative case, the temperature control device of the artificial uterus is (exclusively) in operation.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. They show:

[0021] Figures 1-5 different views of an artificial uterus according to a

[0022] embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the care of the premature baby using the artificial womb from Figures 1 to 5;

[0024] Figure 7 is a front view of a user with the artificial womb of Figures 1 to 5 together with a carrying system;

[0025] Figure 8 is a rear view of the user from Figure 7 with the carrying system;

[0026] Figure 9 shows the artificial uterus from Figures 1 to 5 together with a

[0027] base station; and

[0028] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a system for supplying a

[0029] Premature babies according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figures 1 to 5 show an artificial uterus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention from various perspectives. Figure 6 schematically shows the care of a premature baby F in this artificial uterus 10. The artificial uterus 10 comprises a housing 110 that defines the external shape of the artificial uterus 10. The housing 110 comprises a flat section 111 and a dome-like section 112 that extends above the flat section 111. Together, the flat section 111 and the dome-like section 112 enclose a housing volume 113.

[0031] A reservoir 120 for receiving the premature baby F and amniotic fluid W is arranged in the housing 110. The reservoir 120 comprises a wall 121 that (almost) completely encloses an interior space 122 of the reservoir 120.

[0032] For the continuous purification of the amniotic fluid W, a device 124 for purifying the amniotic fluid W is provided, which comprises a pump, a filter, and a UV radiation source. The pump continuously pumps the amniotic fluid W present in the reservoir 120 to the device 124 for purification, and the amniotic fluid W purified by the device 124 is pumped from there back into the reservoir 120. Corresponding lines 1241 for conveying amniotic fluid W are formed between the reservoir 120 and the device 124.

[0033] Between the reservoir 120 and the housing 110, a temperature control device (not shown) is provided, which 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 and a temperature measuring device, as well as a controller that controls the heating device depending on the measurement data from the temperature measuring device. The heating device extends, for example, in a network-like manner around the entire reservoir 120. Alternatively, the heating device can be designed to direct tempered air into the space between the reservoir 120 and the housing 110, thus maintaining the temperature in the interior 122 of the reservoir 120 within a predetermined range. The temperature measuring device can perform the temperature measurement at several points on the wall 121 of the reservoir 120.

[0034] An insulating layer 140 is also provided between the reservoir 120 and the housing 110 for thermally insulating the reservoir 120. The insulating layer 140 surrounds, for example, the heating device of the temperature control device and is directly adjacent to the heating device.

[0035] Furthermore, an artificial placenta 150 for supplying the premature baby F with oxygen (and nutrition) is provided in the housing 110. The artificial placenta 150 comprises membranes 151, via which oxygen from the ambient air of the artificial uterus 10 is supplied to the artificial placenta 150 for oxygenating the blood of the premature baby 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 region of the membranes 151, at least one ventilator 154 (here, for example, three ventilators 154) is provided. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the fans 154 are provided on the one hand in the region of the membranes 151 in which the membranes 151 absorb the oxygen, and on the other hand in the region of the membranes 151 in which the membranes 151 release carbon dioxide.To enable air supply even under the clothing of a user B, hoses 130, for example, are provided, which lead near the fans 154 and thus supply ambient air to the fans 154 or discharge carbon dioxide-rich air from the air chamber 123 into the environment of the artificial uterus 10. These hoses 130 can be discreetly attached to an edge of the clothing, for example, at the neckline, using a clip (as shown by way of example in Figure 7).

[0036] In addition to or alternatively to ambient air, the required oxygen can also be obtained from an oxygen reservoir 155. The oxygen reservoir 155 can be arranged 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. Via a line 1551, the oxygen is conducted from the oxygen reservoir 155 to an area of ​​the membranes 151, where the membranes 151 absorb the oxygen. In addition, a control system can be provided that controls the valve 156 depending on a regularly recorded measured value. The measured value can be, for example, the oxygen saturation of the blood of the premature baby F or the oxygen concentration in the air chamber 123.

[0037] A feeding device 160 interacts with the artificial placenta 150. The feeding device 160 comprises a storage container 161 for food and a pump that pumps the food from the storage container 161 via a line 162 into the artificial placenta 150 or to a connecting piece 152 described below. For this purpose, the artificial placenta 150 has a corresponding access port 153 for food. For filling the storage container 161, the latter has a port 1611.

[0038] The artificial placenta 150 is connected to the umbilical cord N of the premature infant F via the connector 152. Lines 157 are provided between the connector 152 and the membranes 151 for transporting deoxygenated blood from the umbilical cord N to the membranes 151 and oxygen-rich blood from the membranes 151 to the umbilical cord N. The connector 152 can be configured with a pumping device that supports the appropriate blood flow. The oxygenated and nutrient-supplied blood flows via the connector 152 of the artificial placenta 150 into the umbilical cord N of the premature infant F.

[0039] In the transition area between the artificial placenta 150 and the umbilical cord N of the premature baby F, sensors 171, 172 are designed to monitor the heart rate and the oxygen saturation of the blood of the premature baby F. Also located in this area is a port 180 for taking blood samples.

[0040] A rechargeable energy storage device 190 is provided to supply energy to the device 124 for purifying 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).

[0041] The amniotic fluid purification device 124, the temperature control device, the feeding device pump 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.

[0042] In Figures 7 and 8, the housing 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 lap belt 21 and two shoulder straps 22 as well as a receptacle 23. The receptacle 23 is attached to the lap 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 housing 110 of the artificial uterus 10. The receptacle mimics the shape of the housing 110 and is, in particular, shaped like 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 in sections. While the outer material layer 232 is made of a solid, dimensionally stable material / fabric, the inner material layer 231 is made of a relatively stretchable material / fabric.It is intended that the artificial uterus 10 is arranged in the inner material layer 231 of the receptacle 23. In order 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) in the receptacle 23 (in the outer material layer 232) or to remove it from the receptacle 23 (the outer material layer 232). In the closed configuration, the artificial uterus 10 is securely accommodated in the receptacle 23 and protected from accidentally slipping out. The opening mechanism 233 is designed as a zipper, for example, in Figure 7.

[0043] In the embodiment of Figure 7, the outer material layer 232 only covers the inner material layer 231 in sections. 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 provided 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-shaped and arranged in an (annular) sleeve of the outer material layer 232 following 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).

[0044] In another embodiment (not shown), the housing 110 may be releasably attached to the lap belt 21.

[0045] The carrying system 20 allows the artificial uterus 10 to be worn against the abdomen of the user B. Figure 7 shows that the artificial uterus 10 rests against the abdomen of the user B with the flat portion 111 of the housing 110.

[0046] The artificial uterus 10 presented in Figures 1 to 5 is part of a system 1 for caring for a premature baby F. In addition to the artificial uterus 10, the system 1 comprises a base station 30 (Figure 9). The artificial uterus 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 charge the rechargeable energy storage device 190 of the artificial uterus 10 when the artificial uterus 10 is arranged as intended at / on the base station 30.

[0047] The system 1 further comprises a monitoring device 40, which receives and evaluates the measurement data from the sensors 171, 172 (Figure 10). The measurement data are transmitted from the sensors 171, 172 of the artificial uterus 10 to the monitoring device 40 via a wireless communication connection 50. Therefore, the monitoring device 40 can be spatially separated from the artificial uterus 10. The monitoring device 40 can, for example, be located in a hospital, while the artificial uterus 10 is at the home of the parents of the premature baby F or elsewhere outside the hospital. The monitoring device 40 is designed to generate a signal based on the evaluated measurement data and to send this signal to a display device 60. The display device 60 comprises a plurality of display elements, which are available to the user B of the artificial uterus 10 on the one hand and to medical personnel on the other.In Figure 10, the display device 60 is also connected to the sensors 171, 172 and the monitoring device 40 via a wireless communication link 50. The display device 60 can also be connected only to the monitoring device 40. The types of wireless communication shown in Figure 10 are merely examples.

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Artificial womb (10) for the care of a premature baby (F), in particular until its lung maturity or maturity at birth, with - a reservoir (120) with a wall (121) for receiving the premature baby (F) and amniotic fluid (W); - an artificial placenta (150) with a connecting piece (152) for connecting the umbilical cord (N) of the premature baby (F), wherein the artificial placenta (150) comprises at least one membrane (151) through which oxygen is supplied to the artificial placenta (150) from the ambient air of the artificial uterus (10) or from an oxygen reservoir (155) for oxygenating the blood of the premature baby (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 by a carrying system (20) which can be fastened to the housing (110) or in which the housing (110) can be arranged and which is provided for fastening to an upper body of a user (B) in order to carry the artificial uterus (10).

3. Artificial uterus (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the carrying system (20) comprises a lap belt (21) and two shoulder straps (22).

4. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (121) of the reservoir (120) completely encloses an interior space (122) of the reservoir (120).

5. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (121) of the reservoir (120) is made of an expandable material, in particular latex, so that the volume of the reservoir (120) can grow with the premature baby (F).

6. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (110) is expandable and / or has a variable volume 7. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1 10) is shock-resistant.

8. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (110) comprises a flat section (111) and a dome-like section (112) which extends over the flat section (111), so that the flat section (111) and the dome-like section (112) enclose a housing volume (113).

9. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a temperature control device which is designed to maintain a predetermined temperature within the wall (121) of the reservoir (120).

10. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insulating layer (140) for thermal insulation is provided between the reservoir (120) and the housing (110). 1 1. Artificial womb (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sensor (172) for monitoring the oxygen saturation of the blood of the premature baby (F) and / or at least one sensor (171) for monitoring the heart rate of the premature baby (F).

12. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an access port (180) is formed in the artificial placenta (150) through which samples of blood from the premature baby (F) can be taken.

13. Artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a feeding device (160) with a storage container (161) for food and a pump which is designed to pump the food from the storage container (161) into the umbilical cord (N) of the premature baby (F) or into the connecting piece (152) of the artificial placenta (150).

14. Artificial uterus (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that a pump control is provided which is designed to control the pump at regular intervals, depending on a measuring signal or as a result of an input from a user (B).

15. System (1) for the care of a premature baby (F) comprising an artificial uterus (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a monitoring device (40), wherein the monitoring device (40) is designed to receive and evaluate measurement data relating to the artificial uterus (10).

16. System (1) for the care of a premature baby (F) according to claim 15, characterized in that the monitoring device (40) generates a signal depending on the measurement data.

17. System (1) for the care of a premature baby according to claim 16, further comprising a display device (60) which is designed to display to a user the signal generated as a function of the measurement data.

18. System (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising a base station (30) for supporting the artificial uterus (10).

19. System (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the base station (30) has a charging device for charging at least one energy storage device (190) of the artificial uterus (10).

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