Ultrasound Fetal Visualization System for Objective Labor Progress Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems for fetal visualization during labor are subjective and lack objectivity, leading to high interobserver variability and unnecessary Cesarean sections, as they require manual interaction and do not effectively display labor progress or fetal measurement information in a clear manner for non-medical personnel.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that computes and displays ultrasound measurements and graphical models using a processor to acquire and process data, generating a graphical model based on ultrasound data to objectively quantify fetal head station and labor progress, including the 'angle of progression' measurement, for improved accuracy and understandability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual interaction is required to mark points on the pelvis and fetal head landmarks, then the system can determine spatial position of the fetal head, but the system lacks full automation and requires manual interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic detection algorithms to identify pelvic landmarks and fetal head positions from ultrasound images without requiring manual marking by operators. The processor automatically computes the angle of progression and fetal head station by detecting anatomical features in the ultrasound data, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating manual interaction requirements.
2Measurement precision
If transvaginal imaging is used to evaluate fetal head station, then examination of cervical dilation and fetal position is possible, but the method is subjective and inaccurate with high interobserver variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the subjective manual examination method with an automated computational system that processes ultrasound images to objectively measure fetal head station. The processor calculates the angle of progression using defined anatomical landmarks and mathematical computations, eliminating human subjectivity and interobserver variability inherent in manual transvaginal imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides objective quantitative feedback through the computed angle of progression value, which directly correlates with delivery outcomes. This numerical measurement replaces subjective visual assessment and provides consistent, reproducible results that can be objectively compared across different cases and operators.
3Loss of information
If multiple measurements are proposed including fetal head-perineum distance and angle of progression, then objective quantification of labor progress is possible, but the information is not displayed in a manner suitable for understandability by non-medical persons
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a simplified graphical representation that copies and visualizes the complex anatomical relationships in an easily understandable format. Instead of presenting raw measurement data, the system generates a visual model showing the fetal head position relative to the pelvic inlet, making the information comprehensible to non-medical persons while preserving the objective quantitative measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a system and method that provide fetal visualization. The method can include acquiring, by an ultrasound system, ultrasound data for a region of interest. The method may include computing, by a processor of the ultrasound system, a fetal measurement based on the acquired ultrasound data. The method can include generating, by the processor, a graphical model based on one or more of the fetal measurement and the acquired ultrasound data. The method may include displaying, at a display system, the computed fetal measurement and the generated graphical model.